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Maga Ta-Hohpi Waterfowl Production Area

MAGA TA-HOHPI WATERFOWL PRODUCTION AREA
Prairie Jewels of the Naitonal Wildlife Refuge System

The Maga Ta-Hohpi Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) encompasses 2,200 acres of land and is located eight miles west of Huron on U.S. Hwy 14. It is managed by the Huron Wetland Management District of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS.). A dedication took place in 1992 by the Sioux Indians who named the WPA “Maga Ta-Hohpi” which means “Duck-Nest”.

Maga Ta-Hohpi WPA is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The refuge system includes several thousands of Waterfowl Production Areas that reserve wetlands and grasslands critical to waterfowl and other wildlife. Providing vital breeding and nesting habitat to millions of waterfowl, these small depressions, bordered by wetland grasses and filled with aquatic life, are the jewels left by receding glaciers following the Ice Age.

Maga Ta-Hohpi Waterfowl Production Area is home to hundreds of wildlfie species including fish, migratory birds, pheasants, deer, and many other plants and animals. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy bird watching, wildlife observation, walking trails, photography and environmental opportunties the Waterfowl Production Area offers. The area is open to the public. In addition, many area schools take field trips to the area to take advantage of the hands-on outdoor educational experience. Email: huronwetlands@fws.gov for information on class trips.

Visitors to the area can explore:

Bluebird trail with nesting boxes
Observation deck overlooking wetland
GPS and Compass Trail
Interpretive Kiosk
Plants and Wildlife
Bird Watching
Centennial Time Capsule landmark
Mowed Walking Trail
Photo Blind

The Maga Ta-Hohpi Friends Group, a volunteer non-profit organization, works in cooperation with the Huron Wetland Management District to provide free environmental educational opportunities annually. Some activites include:

Huron Prairie Fest: A free outdoor educational adventure for the whole family held annually. The 2008 festival dates will be annunced at a later date. Approximately 350 people attend annually. Read more...

Dutch Oven Cooking Seminar: This free seminar was held in October with 40 individuals taking part. Participants learned the basic techniques needed to enjoy this hobby and also got to make a main dish to share with others during the activity.

Mastering Your GPS: This event was an educational forum for enthusiasts looking for additional training on the use of their Global Positioning Systems. There is a GPS and Compass Trail located on the Waterfowl Production Area with a map available at the kiosk. In addition, the Friends Group has made available a couple of GPS units with video that can be checked out from the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau. Call 352-0000 for more information.

Growing for Wildlife: This was a free, educational forum which included sessions on: Creating Your Backyard Birding Paradise, Managing Woody Habitat and Developing and Managing Quality Wildlife Habitat.

Contact: Huron Management District of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 200 4th Street SW, Huron, SD 57350 or call (605) 352-5894. Email: huronwetlands@fws.gov .