| Description - Michigan's National
Wildlife Refuges provide excellent habitat for waterfowl, other bird
life and an abundance of wildlife that include rare and endangered
species. In the Lower Peninsula, Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
encompasses about 9,100 acres of marsh, bottomland hardwood, grassland
and agricultural lands hosting large concentrations of migrating birds
that nest, feed, and rest amid the site's four large rivers which
ultimately create Michigan's largest tributary, the Saginaw River.
In the Upper Peninsula, Seney, Huron and Harbor Island NWRs comprise
nearly 100,000 acres of diverse wetland and upland habitats that also
support a wide variety of bird life and wildlife that include notables
such as moose, black bear, bobcat, and river otters.
Attractions - The facilities and activities enjoyed at Michigan's
four national wildlife refuges are nearly as diverse as the habitats
they support. Seney National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Upper
Peninsula about an hour's drive northwest of the Mackinac Bridge.
Seney boasts 95,455 acres of marsh, field, and forest where visitors
can discover through exhibits, hikes, and guided tours, the areas
50 mammal species, 200 bird species, and 26 fish species. Located
off the south shore of Lake Superior, Huron National Wildlife Refuge
is comprised of 8 remote wilderness islands totaling 147 acres with
habitat varying from red pines and white birch stands to sprawling
ground vegetation to barren granite. Remote access affords day hiking,
sunbathing, and fishing. Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge
located north of Drummond Island is a nature photographer's haven
with its marsh-lined harbor, sandy beaches, and mature stands of
balsam fir and paper birch. Located in the Lower Peninsula, Shiawassee
National Wildlife Refuge features a large visitor center complex
amid its 9,100 acres of marsh, bottomland hardwood, grassland and
agricultural lands. From nature study to bird watching, the area
attracts visitors of all ages and abilities throughout the entire
year.
Recreation - Michigan's National Wildlife Refuges offer
opportunities for bird watching, viewing wildlife, nature study,
hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, freshwater fishing, hunting,
viewing historical sights, nature photography, scenic driving, and
more.
Climate - This state normally experiences mild summers with
average temperatures near 70 to 80 degrees F. Nights can be cool
in the northern reaches of the state with lows dipping near 50 degrees
F. August and September are the wettest months on average. Fall
temperatures begin to cool in mid September, which brings a spectacular
fall foliage color change. Days are crisp and nights chilly during
this time of year. Winters can be brutal in Michigan with lake-effect
snows bringing 200 inches of snow to some areas in the Upper Peninsula.
Spring reaches the southern regions of the state in late March and
a few weeks later in the north. This time of year is also very wet
with snow melt and spring rains.
Location - The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife manage
four wildlife refuges in Michigan along with several satellite locations.
Three of the four rest in the Upper Peninsula and one, Shiawassee
National Wildlife Refuge, is in northern Lower Peninsula.
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