Located in the rolling, glacial plains near Moffit, North Dakota, the Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is a hidden gem of the Midwest. Known for its vast expanses of prairie grasses and vital habitats for migratory birds, it is a landscape deeply shaped by both time and nature.
To help visitors better understand the rich history and ecology of this incredible space, our team at Wilderness Graphics partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to design, fabricate, and deliver a brand-new series of interpretive panels and custom mounting systems.
Here is a look at how we helped enhance the visitor experience at the Long Lake NWR, specifically focusing on the newly updated Butte Viewing Area and marsh overlooks.
Telling the Story of the Landscape
The primary goal of this project was to connect visitors to the deep geological and ecological roots of the region. Through a series of highly durable, custom-designed interpretive panels, we brought the history of the prairie to the forefront.
Some of the key themes we developed include:
Shaped by Ice: To explain the unique topography of the Dakotas, we created panels that dive into the region's history of glaciation. Using high-resolution imagery, we illustrated how massive ice sheets carved out the lakes and rolling hills visitors see today.
On the Wing (To Nest and Rest): Positioned perfectly at the marsh edge, this panel highlights the incredible journeys of migratory birds. It educates visitors on why Long Lake NWR comes alive each fall and spring, serving as an essential stopover site for waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds traveling thousands of miles.
A Lasting Legacy: Set against the backdrop of the refuge's historic stone buildings, this panel honors the Works Progress Administration (WPA) workers. In the 1930s and 40s, these crews provided the hard labor needed to revitalize the nation's natural resources and step in to control avian botulism outbreaks that threatened the bird populations.
Custom Fabrication: The Double BookWalk Pedestal Mount
One of the standout features of the Long Lake NWR project was the highly customized fabrication of the sign mounts. For this installation, we utilized our versatile Double BookWalk Pedestal Wayside Exhibit Mount.
These robust, low-profile structures provide an accessible, comfortable reading angle for visitors of all ages and abilities, while easily withstanding the harsh prairie winds and weather. Recent photos of the installation at the Butte Overlook and the marsh angles showcase how seamlessly these pedestal mounts blend the educational materials into the natural environment, ensuring the sweeping views remain the star of the show.
Working alongside our fabrication partners, we took these Double BookWalk mounts a step further by designing custom aluminum cut-outs that were integrated directly into the mounting posts. As visitors read the signs, they can also admire intricate metalwork depicting the refuge's native flora and fauna, including:
-Coyote tracks
-Cattails and Blue grama grass
-Native wildflowers like Prairie smoke, Purple coneflower, Harebell, and the Maximillian sunflower
Our Powder Coated Aluminum Design products add an extra layer of immersion, tying the physical hardware to the natural beauty of the prairie.
A Lasting Educational Resource
By combining vivid storytelling, top-tier imagery, and our durable Double BookWalk Pedestal Wayside Exhibit Mounts, the new signage at Long Lake NWR does more than just provide information, it creates a sense of place. We are incredibly proud to have worked with the dedicated staff at the USFWS to bring these stories to life, providing a lasting educational resource for the community and tourists alike.
Next time you find yourself exploring the beauty of North Dakota, be sure to stop by the Butte Viewing Area and historic trails at Long Lake to take in the views and learn how this incredible landscape came to be.
Looking for custom interpretive signage like our Double BookWalk Pedestal Mounts for your next refuge or park project?
Contact Wilderness Graphics today to see how we can bring your environmental stories to life.