Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1954 for the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources, particularly migratory birds. The Refuge is located in the rolling hills and narrow valley of the north fork of the Solomon River in north-central Kansas. In this region, the tallgrass prairie of the east meets the shortgrass plains of the west. As a result, grasses and wildlife common to both of these habitats are found on the Refuge. Kirwin NWR also includes riparian forest, small wetlands, large open water, and cropland. This habitat diversity supports more than 300 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.