The refuge parallels 16 miles (27 km) of the James River and is a mixture of wetlands, forest and prairie.

Efforts to ensure the refuge continues to provide prime nesting habitat for waterfowl include prescribed fire, haying, crop cultivation and livestock grazing.

The most common waterfowl usually seen include the Canada geese, mallards, pintails, blue-winged teal, shovelers, and gadwall.

Mammals such as white-tailed deer, badger, skunk, beaver, raccoon, mink, muskrat, along with other grassland dwellers such as the exotic ring-necked pheasant, and sharp-tailed grouse.

There is a 5.5 mile (9.7 km) nature trail that leads from the visitor center, although it may be closed during certain times of the year such as during the nesting season.