Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge is located in southwestern Minnesota near the South Dakota border.  The refuge is 11,586 acres and has a diverse array of habitat types. Approximately, 1,700 acres of remnant tall grass native prairie exists on the refuge, providing valuable habitat for prairie butterfly species.  The Dakota skipper (Hesperia dacotae) is a candidate species for listing on the Federal endangered species list.  Butterfly surveys in 1988, 1999, and 2000 documented the presence of the Dakota skipper. However, only one Dakota skipper female was found during 2000 survey and the current status of this species in the refuge is unknown.  The Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program provided funding for a follow-up survey for the Dakota skipper and other prairie butterfly species in 2009.  Staff champion for this project is Cathy Schlegel, Tropics Trail zookeeper.