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Located just a short drive along the scenic Highway 57, Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is one of only two like it in the nation.
The Lake Region is fortunate to have this unique place where several high plains habitats come together; meadows, woodlands, wetlands and hills.
Established in 1904 when President Teddy Roosevelt expanded the nation’s park system, residents of the area have seen many changes through the years at Sullys Hill. This year is no exception.
The visitors center has seen great changes in the past couple of years with the addition of its extensive North Dakota Habitat Diorama which nearly fills three walls of the interpretive center.
The display is 85 percent complete with 20 additional mounts added last month. New specimens included are black-crowned night herons, willets, pheasants, Hungarian partridge, rabbits, a kestral and a Coopers hawk.
At the end of the hall a display showing a pair of bald eagles sharing a fish is another addition.
Manager Tom Ibsen has plans for the coming year which includes three special dates to make sure and include on your calendar:
Saturday, May 8 is International Migratory Bird Day. Ibsen says, “Spring is in the air! Come and discover the wonders of bird migration during activities and programs for adults and children of all ages.”
Saturday and Sunday, May 22 - 23 will be Warbler Weekend. “Birders of all experience levels will enjoy observing the spring migration of warblers through the woodlands of Sullys Hill National Game Preserve. We invite visitors from throughout the region to help compile a species list and count of warblers and other birds at the refuge,” said Ibsen.
This event is an official Endangered Species Day event with programs on some of the endangered birds of North Dakota. From early morning bird walks to indoor education programs, there will be something for everyone. Walks begin at 6 a.m. on both days.
Saturday, June 12 is the Sullys Hill Birding and Nature Festival. This is the 11th annual festival and is open to experienced birders and beginners alike. Morning bird walks begin at 6 a.m. and bird programs will continue throughout the day. Wildflower walks and hayrides will be provided.
Also planned for the season ahead are education programs each Thursday and Saturday.
New last year, the Thursday evening education programs were so popular they’ve been expanded to Saturdays, as well. More information will be made available soon about when these will begin and what topics will be covered.
There is no fee to attend any of these programs, but donations to the Friends of Sullys Hill will be accepted.
Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is open from 8 a.m. until sundown everyday. The visitors center is open, call (701) 766-4272 for hours of operation and for more information.
Located just a short drive along the scenic Highway 57, Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is one of only two like it in the nation.
The Lake Region is fortunate to have this unique place where several high plains habitats come together; meadows, woodlands, wetlands and hills.
Established in 1904 when President Teddy Roosevelt expanded the nation’s park system, residents of the area have seen many changes through the years at Sullys Hill. This year is no exception.
The visitors center has seen great changes in the past couple of years with the addition of its extensive North Dakota Habitat Diorama which nearly fills three walls of the interpretive center.
The display is 85 percent complete with 20 additional mounts added last month. New specimens included are black-crowned night herons, willets, pheasants, Hungarian partridge, rabbits, a kestral and a Coopers hawk.
At the end of the hall a display showing a pair of bald eagles sharing a fish is another addition.
Manager Tom Ibsen has plans for the coming year which includes three special dates to make sure and include on your calendar:
Saturday, May 8 is International Migratory Bird Day. Ibsen says, “Spring is in the air! Come and discover the wonders of bird migration during activities and programs for adults and children of all ages.”
Saturday and Sunday, May 22 - 23 will be Warbler Weekend. “Birders of all experience levels will enjoy observing the spring migration of warblers through the woodlands of Sullys Hill National Game Preserve. We invite visitors from throughout the region to help compile a species list and count of warblers and other birds at the refuge,” said Ibsen.
This event is an official Endangered Species Day event with programs on some of the endangered birds of North Dakota. From early morning bird walks to indoor education programs, there will be something for everyone. Walks begin at 6 a.m. on both days.
Saturday, June 12 is the Sullys Hill Birding and Nature Festival. This is the 11th annual festival and is open to experienced birders and beginners alike. Morning bird walks begin at 6 a.m. and bird programs will continue throughout the day. Wildflower walks and hayrides will be provided.
Also planned for the season ahead are education programs each Thursday and Saturday.
New last year, the Thursday evening education programs were so popular they’ve been expanded to Saturdays, as well. More information will be made available soon about when these will begin and what topics will be covered.
There is no fee to attend any of these programs, but donations to the Friends of Sullys Hill will be accepted.
Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is open from 8 a.m. until sundown everyday. The visitors center is open, call (701) 766-4272 for hours of operation and for more information.
