ABOUT THE REFUGEEstablished September 5, 1935. Its purpose... to protect and conserve migratory birds and other wildlife resources of the region. Today it is the largest remaining tract of bottomland hardwood forest in the Mississippi River Valley. | SIGNIFICANCEThe refuge serves as the last safety net to support biological diversity for the Delta region. After generations of habitat loss through clear cutting and conversion of forest lands to agriculture, only 10% of Arkansas' original eight million acres of bottomland forest remain standing today. | VOLUNTEERWe provide opportunities and coordinate volunteers for refuge events, research, maintenance work parties and educational programs. |