Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge located on the eastern end of the northern great plains near Titonka, Iowa.

Refuge History: In 1938, Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide habitat for migratory birds. The refuge is the remains of a pre-glacial riverbed. It is named because it forms the union, or meeting place, of the Blue Earth River and East Fork of the Des Moines River. Long before the arrival of European settlers this region was carved out by glacial retreat at the end of the last ice age and was dotted with swamps, marshes, ponds, and sloughs. Life forms once common to this region included bison, prairie chickens, and Indiangrass.

Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 and since that time much of the surrounding landscape has been converted to farms. Wildlife: Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including herons, egrets, mallards, bald eagles, and bobolinks. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts nature trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and so much more. Come on out and explore!