[2] Land to be used for the Wildlife Area was first acquired in 1962 with the hopes of improving the habitat conditions for various waterfowl.

While one of the original objectives of the marsh was to drain the marsh and increase drainage ability after flooding, extensive ditch-digging and repeated excavations of the area have caused the Wildlife Area's condition to deteriorate.

A water control structure and dike are now in place in the marsh to prevent further degradation.

A popular activity in the Wildlife Area is trapping, with there being a sizable population of both mink and muskrat in the Marsh.

Hunting is also popular, with most of it taking place in the sunflower fields, planted specifically to create a habitat for mourning doves.