1985 Map of Willow Lake

About this map

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge occupies the southern half of this mid-1980s landscape, illustrating a complex wetland ecosystem in Nebraska's sandhills region. The map reveals a high density of water bodies ranging from the expansive Big Alkali Lake in the northwest to the clustered North Marsh Lake, Middle Marsh Lake, and South Marsh Lake in the southeast. This density of named lakes and marshes suggests a critical habitat for migratory birds and local wildlife, managed through several designated zones including the Willow Lake State Wildlife Management Area and the Ballards Marsh State Wildlife Management Area.