Our wetland habitat enhancement efforts, in cooperation with private, state, and other federal partners, have yielded more than 566 acres of improved wetlands on five properties within the refuge boundary. Our wildlife monitoring shows a strong, positive response by wildlife, with increases in both the varieties and numbers of birds, other wildlife, and native plants. Historically an area that once supported an abundance of wetlands teeming with wildlife, the refuge now manages the restored wetlands with water control structures, pumps, and vegetation control. This water manipulation allows the refuge to monitor and target specific plant and bird species through flood-up, rotation, depth, and drawdown in fall through early spring. Throughout the summer, most of the managed wetlands are dry to help prevent vegetation overgrowth and mosquito control.