Local farmers manage the majority of the refuge's 1000 acres of cultivated land on a share basis, leaving a portion of the crop in the fields for wildlife consumption. Since Canada geese depend on green browse for a substantial part of their diet, an ample amount of winter wheat is also planted each fall. The refuge offers individuals or groups an opportunity to volunteer their time and talents to various tasks on the refuge. Some of the jobs which volunteers may be assigned include assisting with waterfowl banding, wildlife surveys, maintenance projects, conducting tours, staffing the visitor center, or conducting research studies. The volunteer program is a way for people to become involved with the refuge and provide a valuable contribution to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Student internships are available.
Things to Do Recreational opportunities on the refuge include public fishing, a limited hunting season, wildlife observation, photography, nature study, boating, and mushroom, berry and grape picking. Bicycling and horseback riding are also permitted on established roads during open periods. Consult the refuge map for public use and access information. From November through February, the gated bottoms roads are closed to the public to minimize disturbance to wintering waterfowl. During that time a foot trail and nature drive are available and the visitor center offers wildlife exhibits and audio-visual programs.