SENEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
1674 Refuge Entrance Road
SENEY, MICHIGAN 49883
Phone: 906-586-9851

95,455 Acres of Marsh, Field and Forest

The refuge Headquarters and Visitor Center are located on Highway M-77 approximately 3 miles north of Germfask, Michigan and 15 miles northwest of Curtis, Michigan.

One of the best wildlife excursions you can make is to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Seney is a photographers delight - bring your camera!

Seney National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935 for the protection and production of migratory birds and other wildlife. The refuge is composed of a rich mosaic of marsh, swamp, bog, grasslands and forest, with nearly two-thirds wetlands. Today, it protects habitat for threatened and endangered species, as well as a variety of wildlife.

A diversity of wildlife species utilize the refuge with over 200 bird species, 26 fish species and 50 mammals recorded. This diversity of wildlife is maintained through wetland, fire and forest management. On a quiet summer's eve, one has only to stop and listen to hear the soft whisper of wings and the symphony of sounds echoing from the marshes.

VISITOR CENTER. The Visitor Center at the Refuge is open seven days a week from May 15 to October 15. Hours are 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. The building is loaded with exhibits on wildlife history, habitat, ecology and management. A Seney National Wildlife Refuge orientation slide show is shown every half hour from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This show introduces viewers to the variety of wildlife found on the Refuge, as well as management techniques. The photography is stunning! The center is complete with a natural history book store and children's touch table.

TOURING BY CAR. The Marshland Wildlife Drive is a seven mile self-guided auto tour open May 15 through October 15, during daylight hours. The drive starts across from the visitor center parking lot. Along the trail there are three observation decks set up with spotting scopes to assist the visitor in seeing eagles, osprey, loons and trumpeter swans.

Timing for wildlife viewing is of utmost importance. Spring, late summer and fall are best, while early morning and evening hours are when most species are active. Because more people show up for the evening hours, you might want to try getting up with the sun some day for a great experience. Sometimes in the evening the Refuge staff will lead a guided tour. Call ahead to check with them at 906-586-9851.

Remember, all wildlife has the right-of-way, and this is especially true of geese using the dikes. Breaking up a brood of geese is often fatal for those goslings separated from adults.

TRAILS TO EXPLORE. The Pine Ridge Nature Trail offers an intimate look at refuge habitat, plants and wildlife. The 1.4 mile looped trail begins just outside the Visitor Center and is open year round during daylight hours.

70 MILES TO WALK OR BIKE. A network of nearly seventy miles of roads, closed to motor vehicle traffic, is available to the more adventuresome traveler. Maps and access information are available at the Visitor Center or refuge headquarters.

BERRYPICKING AND MUSHROOMS. Much of the refuge is open to the picking of morel mushrooms, blueberries and other wild foods and fruits. Information available at the Visitor Center

CANOEING. Canoeing is permitted only on the Manistique, Driggs and Creighton Rivers and Walsh Creek. Use is limited to daylight hours with no overnight camping allowed. Please, no canoes on the refuge pools or marshes. Canoe rentals and livery at Big Cedar Campground in Germfask.

FISHING AND HUNTING. Portions of the refuge are open to hunting and fishing under special regulations. Please contact the refuge headquarters for a current list of hunting and fishing regulations, including a detailed map of the areas available.

WINTER ACTIVITIES. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on the refuge during the winter months, with groomed trails available from mid-December through mid-March. Maps are available at the refuge headquarters or the trail heads. All refuge pools are open to ice fishing from January 1 through February 28..

Photo of the swans by Marty and Pat Lockard, winners of 3rd place in the 2003 Seney Photo Contest, Wildlife Catagory.

SNOWFEST, 10am - 4pm . Sorry, this event has been cancelled for 2006. Please join us in 2007 for some Winter Fun.
A highlight of the event will be horse drawn sleigh rides and dogsled rides. Visitors can explore the Refuge on snowshoes and skis - available for check-out free of charge. Come early and practice snowshoeing in preparation for the 3pm snowshoe races. Snowsnake races will also be held.

The Seney Natural History Association and Refuge Volunteers will be providing homemade cookies and hot drinks to help you warm up in the Visitor Center. There'll be games, crafts and fun activities for the whole family! Please remember to dress for both inside and outside activities.

May, 2006: YELLOW RAIL TOURS.
Head out into the marsh at 10pm with a researcher doing surveys of these secretive marsh birds. Exact dates to be announced. Please call Marilyn at the Refuga at 906-586-9851, X15, for additional information. Sightings of the Yellow Rail are not guaranteed. Tours conducted at the discretion of the Refuge Staff and may be cancelled due to a variety of conditions.

June 10, 2006: CHILDREN'S FISHING CONTEST for ages up to 17.
Saturday 9am to 2pm entries will be accepted at the Visitor Center. 9am to 2 pm Fishing Stations along the Fishing Loop. Poles and bait will be available for young anglers. 12 noon to 2:30 games and activities at the Visitor Center. 2:30 complimentary fish dinner for participants and their families, followed by an awards ceremony. Door Prizes. Call for exact date of this fun event.

October, 2006: SCOUT ACTIVITY DAY AT THE REFUGE 10 am to 4 pm. Call for details

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