Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 with ambitious goals and a multifaceted mission. The mission of the Refuge is to actively protect, restore, reconstruct and manage the diverse native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, and sedge meadow. These were the native habitats existing on the Refuge’s more than 6000 acres prior to Euro-American settlement.

The Refuge serves as a major environmental education, volunteer and outdoor recreation hub for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. The Refuge also strives to provide assistance to local landowners as they improve their lands for wildlife habitat. Lastly, the Refuge tries to increase scientific knowledge and understanding of the prairie and savanna through ongoing, targeted and innovative research. The Refuge achieves all of these goals through community involvement and by working and partnering with others.