Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
Midwest Region

About Us

Refuge Updates

Visitor Services

Environmental Education

Calendar Of Events

Volunteer Opportunities

Maps

More Information

Site Map

Small Wetlands Program

Contact Us

Phone: 618-997-3344
8588 Route 148
Marion, IL 62959
Email: CrabOrchard@fws.gov

Calendar of Events

J A N U A R Y 
   
Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
F.U.N. Program  
Families Understanding Nature (F.U.N.) Program are usually held on the second Saturday of every month.  The FUN program provides a chance for families to come together to learn, more about local wildlife wildlife and to do fun educational activities.
10:00 am 12:00 pm, Visitor Center
Eagle Tours Bald Eagle
Take a guided tour to visit an active bald eagle nest, and other areas around the Refuge where this threatened species can be found. Reservations Required.
The last two weekends of the month at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm, meet at the Visitor Center; Reservations may be made beginning December 13.
     
    

     
      
   
F E B R U A R Y 
     
Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
F.U.N. Program Bird Feeder
Families Understanding Nature (F.U.N.) Program are usually held on the second Saturday of every month.  The FUN program provides a chance for families to come together to learn, more about local wildlife wildlife and to do fun educational activities.
10:00 am 12:00 pm, Visitor Center
Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
Great Backyard Bird Count Great Backyard Bird Count
To participate visit: www.birdsource.org.
    

     
 
 
 
M A R C H    
 
Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.

 

Refuge Restricted Ponds open Open Sign
   
Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
A P R I L     
 
Guided Wildflower Walks on Rocky Bluff Trail Wildflowers
Every Saturday at 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
 
Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
 
Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
M A Y    
 
Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
 

International Migratory Bird Day Flying Egret
 
Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
J U N E    
 

1st Week

National Fishing Week Fishing Lure
 
Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
 

9

Kids Fishing Day  
Join us for a day of family fun and fishing at the Image Marina on Route 13 just west of John A Logan College.  
 
Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
 
 

 
 
 
     
S E P T E M B E R   
    
Wildlife & Wild Things Photo Contest

camera

Up to five photos may be submitted at $5 each.  Winners will be announced and photos will be displayed during the third weekend.  See flyer for complete details and rules.
8am 4:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
Friends of Crab Orchard Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
Evening F.U.N. Program

Bug

Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!  Take a look at the wild and bizarre, the bold and the beautiful, and the truly unique bugs that live all around us.
6:30pm, Crab Orchard Campground
F.U.N. Program Red-tailed Hawk

Red-Tailed Hawk

Families Understanding Nature (F.U.N.) Program are usually held on the second Saturday of every month.  The FUN program provides a chance for families to come together to learn, more about local wildlife wildlife and to do fun educational activities.
10am 12pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
Butterfly Roundup

Monarch Butterfly

Capture and tag monarch butterflies and send them on their way to Mexico.  Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.  Nets will be provided.  Participation may be limited.  Please call the Visitor Center to register.
10am-12pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
National Public Lands Day
No entrance fees are charged at Crab Orchard NWR for this nation-wide event.  Come and enjoy your national wildlife refuge.  
Southern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days
JJoin Crab Orchard NWR at the annual Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days during the third weekend for a fun outdoor experience for the whole family. Visitor Center will be closed.
9am 5pm (Sat);9am 4pm(Sun), John A. Logan College
    

30

Fishing Ponds Close

Fishing Lure

Fishing ponds in the Restricted-Use section of the Refuge and Crab Orchard Lake east of the Wolf Creek Causeway will close at midnight.
      

     
     
    
O C T O B E R   
     
Annual Friends of Crab Orchard Meeting

Friends of Crab Orchard

Everyone is invited to attend and learn more about this non-profit support group. Refreshments will be served.
6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
F.U.N. Program - Bobcat Bobcat
Families Understanding Nature (F.U.N.) Program are usually held on the second Saturday of every month.  The FUN program provides a chance for families to come together to learn, more about local wildlife wildlife and to do fun educational activities.
10am 12pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center  
National Wildlife Refuge Week
Wildlife & Wild Things Photo Exhibit camera
A photo display of the many faces of Southern Illinois wild places.  Vote for your favorite for the People s Choice Award.
8am 4:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
Crab Orchard Open House
Take a self-guided driving tour every Sunday in October.  This tour will take you into the Restricted-Use section of the Refuge.  
1pm 4pm; Start at the Visitor Center
Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center
     

    
    
    
N O V E M B E R  
      

F.U.N. Program Great Horned Owl Great Horned Owl
Families Understanding Nature (F.U.N.) Program are usually held on the second Saturday of every month.  The FUN program provides a chance for families to come together to learn, more about local wildlife wildlife and to do fun educational activities.
10am 12pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center  
       

Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
       

Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
       

Thanksgiving Cornacopia
Visitor Center Closed
      

   
D E C E M B E R   
   

Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge Meeting Friends of Crab Orchard
The first Thursday of each month at 6:30pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
    

F.U.N. Program Christmas with the Critters Puddles the Goose
Families Understanding Nature (F.U.N.) Program are usually held on the second Saturday of every month.  The FUN program provides a chance for families to come together to learn, more about local wildlife wildlife and to do fun educational activities.
10:00 am 12:00 pm, Visitor Center  
     

Take Pride in America Meeting American Flag
The second Monday of each month at 7pm, Crab Orchard Visitor Center.
     

VISITOR CENTER CLOSED Santa & Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge wish you and yours a Happy Holidays.
We will reopen on December 26 at 8am.  Happy Holidays from everyone here at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge!
     
     

      For more information, contact the Visitor Center at (618) 998-5933.

 

Last updated: July 9, 2008