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Crab
Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
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 Refuge Overview: Established in 1947, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located in Southern Illinois near Marion and Herrin. A 44,000 acre refuge managed for diverse purposes (wildlife management, agriculture, recreation, and industry – storage & military ordinance production), Federal Duck Stamp dollars were used, in part, to acquire the refuge for the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Glen Smart/USFWS photo |
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| Wildlife and
Habitat: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
is an important stop-over spot for migratory waterfowl along
the Mississippi Flyway, particularly for Canada geese. In the
winter months, populations of Canada Geese can reach 200,000
on the refuge. A multitude of other wildlife use the refuge as
well, including 245 species of birds, 33 species of mammals,
63 species of fish, and 44 species of reptiles and amphibians.
The refuge encompasses a number of habitat types, including hardwood
forest, agricultural land, grazing nits, brushland, wetlands, and
lakes. Over 4,000 acres of the refuge form a federally designated
Wilderness Area, and 20,000 acres are a wildlife sanctuary where
public use is limited.
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Recreation Opportunities: The
western 24,000 acres of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge provide
great opportunities for public use. Camping, boating, hunting,
and fishing are all allowed on the refuge. Also, there are a number
of hiking and nature trails, as well as a Wilderness Area, for
those seeking quieter adventure.
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Additional Resources
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