Slade National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), just 3 miles off Interstate 94 near Dawson, North Dakota, is a 3,000 acre prairie refuge. Established in 1940 as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received the property as a donation from G.T. Slade, whom it is named for. The property was managed as a duck club by the previous owner, attesting to the attractiveness and value of the Refuge to waterfowl. <P>Slade NWR is administered by the Long Lake NWR Complex as an un-staffed satellite refuge. The gently rolling prairie is dotted by numerous lakes and marshes formed by glacial action. The prairies attract grassland birds, including prairie sparrows, which nest in the uplands and are sought by many birding visitors to the region. Occasionally, bald eagles and peregrine falcons are spotted. More commonly observed species include ferruginous hawks, American bittern, great blue heron, black-crowned night heron, American white pelican, giant Canada geese, mallards, pintail, and blue-winged teal. Many mammals, including white-tailed deer, coyote, mink, muskrat, raccoon, and skunk reside on the Refuge year-round. Visitation to Slade NWR is limited because there are no facilities or staff available on the site. The Refuge is a little known jewel for those equipped to access the Refuge for birding and wildlife observation. <P>