Wildlife Refuge
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge Near Umbarger
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,664-acre federal refuge about 10 miles west of Canyon that now hosts grassland wildlife, though the lake itself has been dry for decades.
The refuge was established in 1959 near the small community of Umbarger. The lake was created by a dam in 1938, but overuse of groundwater from nearby farmland dried up the springs and creek that fed it. Today the lake rarely holds water except after major storms. Despite that, the grassland and prairie dog habitat draw more than 300 species of migratory birds. Bald and golden eagles, burrowing owls, and black-tailed prairie dogs are among the regular residents.
Visitors can walk, drive an auto tour route, camp, and picnic on the refuge. It is free and open to the public. For current conditions and any hunting rules, check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service page at fws.gov/refuge/buffalo-lake.
Source to confirm: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge