The Wadena Wildlife Wetlands is a freshwater marsh surrounded by open grasslands and aspen parklands as well as bordered on the one side by Little Quill Lake.

The Quill Lakes area is one of the world's most recognized breeding & staging sites for birds. Over one million birds visit the Quill Lakes area every year -more than 300 different species altogether! The most common visitors are waterfowl and shorebirds, including the largest breeding population of endangered piping plovers in North America.

Together, the lakes, wetlands, & grasslands provide food, shelter & breeding grounds for wildlife -especially waterfowl & shorebirds. The area is also a popular destination for bird watcher's, hunter's, and tourists.

Big Quill lake supports a salt extraction plant and a brine shrimp industry. The wetlands are also an important water resource for farming practices including raising livestock and crop production. Wetlands are nature's filtration system and provides clean, clear drinking water.