Trip # 107
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Eco-Tour
1935 Seney National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Today, Seney supports a variety of wildlife, including endangered and reintroduced species. Bald eagles, common loons, and trumpeter swans are regularly seen during the summer months, especially June and July, when they are raising their young.
Peak populations of waterfowl are present in early spring and early fall. Common species observed include Canada geese, hooded mergansers, mallards, black ducks, ring-necked ducks, and wood ducks. Sandhill cranes can be observed in moderate numbers prior to fall migration. Animals that live on the Refuge but are not always seen include black bear, white-tailed deer, coyote, river otter, beaver, ruffed, spruce, and sharp-tailed grouse, yellow rails, and woodcock.
Canoeing is allowed on the Manistique and Driggs River. The Manistique River flows through the southern portion of the Refuge and offers paddlers an enjoyable trip.
Over a century ago, lumbering operations altered the landscape of the Upper Peninsula's great forests. The ring of the lumberman's axe echoed through the forests as local mills depleted the region's valuable supply of red and white pine. After the pine forests were cut, mill owners turned their axes and saws to the Refuge's northern hardwood and swamp conifer communities.

Following the lumbering operations, fires were often set to clear away the debris. These fires burned deep into the rich organic soil, damaging its quality and killing the seeds that would have produced a new forest. On many areas of the Refuge, the scars from these lumbering operations remain visible to this day.

After the fires, a land development company dug many miles of drainage ditches throughout Seney. This drained acreage was then sold using extravagant promises of agricultural productivity. But the new owners quickly learned that these promises were unfounded. One by one, the farms were abandoned, and the exploited lands reverted to state ownership.

In 1934, the Michigan Conservation Department recommended to the Federal Government that the Seney area be developed for wildlife. This proposal was accepted and Seney National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1935.

Physical development and restoration of the Refuge land began soon after establishment. With the aid of the Civilian Conservation Corps, an intricate system of dikes, water control structures, ditches, and roads was built. This system now impounds over 7,000 acres of open water in 26 major pools.
The Seney Wildlife Refuge trip is about 6 hours long allowing for breaks and a lunch period. Folks of all ages are welcome. Wildlife viewing is done in our 17’ Old Town Canoes.

Value Cost is $125 for adults
$100 for Students under 18
$100 for Seniors