It covers 16,570 acres (67 km2) and is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

A combination of wetlands, meadows and small stands of planted trees in the upland sections provide habitat for a wide variety of species.

Much of the refuge has a series of low dikes that help to maintain some areas in a prolonged wetland state, increasing wildlife habitat, especially for migratory bird species.

The refuge borders the Nebraska Sandhills, which are a source of water runoff into the early summer.

Waterways in the refuge are habitat for fish such as the yellow perch, northern pike, and many smaller species.