This project restores a 156 acre shallow marsh wetland complex. - FWS photo by Bill Peterson.

Necedah NWR restored a 156 acre shallow marsh wetland complex in Summer, 2007.  Refuge staff and volunteers "mined" soil from existing drainage ditch spoil banks to fill in ten 100 ft long sections of ditch, restoring the wetlands' pre-drainage hydrology.

Despite the ongoing drought, the water rose in the ditches and gradually spilled into the formerly drained wetlands. 

Wildlife responded to their newly restored habitat and whooping cranes, wood ducks and other birds began feeding in the wetlands before we had removed the equipment. 

This wetland complex won't fill completely until the snow melts next spring.  Then, returning ducks, cranes and other waterbirds will discover these new, shallow marshes.