FLORENCE LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
 
Florence Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1939 as a Refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.  Florence Lake NWR is administered by Long Lake NWR as an un-staffed satellite Refuge.  The 1,888-acre Refuge holds almost 1,000 acres of virgin native mixed-grass prairie and a 132-acre lake.  This high quality prairie habitat attracts grassland birds including prairie sparrows, which nest in the uplands and are sought by many birders visiting the region.  The grasslands provide a diverse mix of showy wildflowers and prairie grasses.  The Refuge is relatively isolated from human activity, and the habitat provides a true representation of the northern mixed grass prairie.  Occasionally, bald eagles and peregrine falcons are observed on Florence Lake NWR.  More commonly spotted species include ferruginous hawks, American bittern, great-blue heron, black-crowned night heron, American white pelican, giant Canada geese, mallards, pintail, and blue-winged teal.  Mammals who reside on the Refuge year-round include white-tailed deer, coyote, mink, muskrat, raccoon, and skunk. <P>