Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established to develop and manage a system of wetlands and grasslands that is unique to the Red River Valley. The Refuge supports a diversity of wetland and grassland wildlife, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation, interpretation, and education and promoting an appreciation for wetland values. Kellys Slough NWR is located in the heart of the Red River Valley. The Refuge contains an intermittent stream that flows into the Turtle River, a tributary of the Red River. In addition to the original 1,270-acre Refuge, which was purchased in 1936, other lands were purchased over the years with Federal Duck Stamp dollars and developed into Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). The Refuge staff manage the eight wetland management pools, comprising 876 acres of the Refuge and adjacent WPAs. These pools are managed to provide a variety of water depths. The remaining uplands are predominately grasslands. Kellys Slough NWR is considered an excellent area to view migratory and breeding waterbirds. Twelve species of ducks have been found nesting on the Refuge. Giant Canada geese and a variety of shorebirds are also common at Kellys Slough NWR and surrounding lands. A 3-year study initiated in 2000 documented an average annual population of almost 36,000 shorebirds representing 29 species.

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