March 28, 2024

Weekend events at Neal Smith NWR

Refuge Photo Exhibit Open House

Visit the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday to see the winners of the third Annual Refuge Photo Contest. The winning entry for 2018 was taken by Kristie Burns from Windsor Heights. Light refreshments will be available. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 31.

A 2019 calendar highlighting the first and second place winners is now for sale in the Prairie Point Nature Store.

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November Photo Hike

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge will host the November Photo Hike from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday. This program is free and open to the public. Participants will meet at the Prairie Learning Center at 3:20 p.m. sharp before leaving for a specified area on the Refuge.

Amateur and professional photographers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring your camera equipment, comfortable closed-toe shoes/boots, long pants, a water bottle and your sense of wonder. Weather permitting, be prepared to go off the walking trails. In case of inclement weather, the Photo Hike will be canceled. Check Facebook for any cancellations.

Registration is required. Sign up in advance by contacting Doreen Van Ryswyk at Doreen_vanryswyk@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400.

Visit NSNWR's Facebook page at facebook.com/NealSmithNWR for information regarding all upcoming events.

​Holiday Closing

The Prairie Learning Center at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge will be closing at noon Nov. 21 and will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day. The auto tour route and walking trails will remain open from dawn to dusk. The Visitor Center will reopen at 9 a.m. Nov. 23, following the holiday. For information or questions, contact Cheryl Groom at 515-994-3400 or Cheryl_Groom@fws.gov.