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Mark Twain National
Wildlife Refuge Complex
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 Refuge Overview: Established in 1958, The Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex spans three states: Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. Two of the refuges in this complex, Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge and Great River National Wildlife Refuge, are in Illinois. Two Rivers lies at the convergence of the Illinois and Missouri Rivers, and Great River lies along the Mississippi River, covering portions of the floodplains on both the Illinois and Missouri sides of the river. Large sections of both refuges have been purchased using Migratory Bird Conservation Funds, which include Federal Duck Stamp dollars. USFWS Photo |
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| Wildlife and
Habitat: The Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge
encompasses a variety of habitats, including open water, small
pools, backwater sloughs, marshes, and croplands. The refuge
attracts 50,000 geese and 5,000,000 ducks each year as they make
their way along the Mississippi River Flyway. The refuge is also
a wintering ground for 1,000 bald eagles and home to an endangered
plant species, the decurrent false aster (Boltonia decurrens).
The Great River National Wildlife Refuge also encompasses
a number of habitat types, including open water, wetlands,
bottomland forests, and grasslands. It is estimated that 70-80
percent of the ducks and geese migrating along the Mississippi
River Flyway stopover at this refuge.
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Recreation Opportunities: The
refuges of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex offer
a number of outdoor recreation opportunities. They are enticing destinations
for school groups, hikers, birders, and photographers. Fishing and
hunting are also allowed on the refuge during the appropriate seasons
(Please see the refuge websites for specifics).
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Additional Resources
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