The Site/Interpretive and Demonstration Trails/Visitor Center

The Site: The Sanctuary consists of 800 acres of wildlife habitat. Its diverse landscape includes a blend of tree plantings, trails, observation overlooks, and wetlands and waterways. Part of an erosion-prone sand ridge (an ancient beach from glacial Lake Agassiz) has been planted to trees and shrubs. Native prairies have been restored and have effectively displaced weeds on retired farm fields. Wetlands have been constructed in low areas aided by digging waterways to divert spring run-off into ponds and canals. Native and non-native coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs have been planted to provide diverse habitats for wildlife. Plantings of a variety of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs provide additional food and cover. Native woody vegetation such as willow and cottonwood provide especially good forage and shelter for wintering white-tailed deer, moose, and eastern cottontail rabbits. The Wetlands, Pines and Prairie Audubon Sanctuary is one of 43 sites along Minnesota's first birding trail: Minnesota's Pine to Prairie Birding Trail

Interpretive and Demonstration Trails: Featured on the Sanctuary's "Landscaping for Wildlife Trail" are the sixteen components outlined by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Carroll Henderson's book: Landscaping for Wildlife. The trail is marked by numbered posts which correlate to the numbers and text of the trail's brochure. The hike educates visitors about the benefits of modern wildlife management techniques which can be easily duplicated in one's own back yard or farm.The "Bluebird Trail" is a two-mile mowed trail that loops through a variety of habitats. The trail was made possible, in part, by a grant from The Bluebird Recovery Program. Along the trail are an assortment of erected bluebird houses that are occupied by eastern bluebirds, tree swallows, house wrens, and, occassionally white-footed mice. Both trails offer visitors opportunites to observe a variety of wildlife and habitats while hiking, driving, snowshoeing, or skiing.

The Visitor Center: A visitor center offers Sanctuary visitors: Local and regional information Gifts and merchandise including souvenir T-shirts and mugs Nature and field guide books Bird feeders and accessories (sunflower and thistle seed) A meeting and programming facility A place to sit and relax while watching birds feeding from bird feeders outside a large picture window

The Visitor Center has an old wood-burning stove to take the chill off on cold winter birding adventures. It is also a great place to escape the summer heat. The Visitor Center can be used as a meeting place for small groups and organizations, too. Call the Sanctuary to schedule an event. The Director's office is also located in the Sanctuary's Visitor Center.