Calendar of Events/Press Releases
Watch this space for more information about the following events:

Summer Fest! - held the last Saturday in June..

Thirteenth Biennial Photo Contest -winners announced. Click here

Visitor Contact Station

Visitors can view displays, obtain brochures and talk with personnel at the refuge headquarters/visitor contact station. Normal operating hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday – please call in advance to verify. Headquarters is located off Route 198E on Wood Duck Lane, 3/4 mile east of Guys Mills and 10 miles east of Meadville.

Outdoor Facilities

Facilities are open daily, 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.

Discover Erie
Many resources are available for visitors to use while exploring the nooks and crannies of Erie National Wildlife Refuge.  For educators and families, the “Discovery Kits” and “Discovery Packs” provide a wealth of information all-in-one.

Educator Discovery Kits – Resource kits on Wetlands, Forests, and Migratory Birds can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks.  Kits help youth leaders and teachers with suggested activities, props and materials, worksheets, and lesson plans. Discovery Kits can be used in the classroom or on the refuge. Groups can be scheduled to visit the refuge for teacher-led activities. Contact the headquarters for reservations.

Family Discovery Packs – Backpacks filled with binoculars, guide books, and trail activities increase learning opportunities and can be borrowed for daily use.

Indoor Bird Observation Area

A special viewing area, including seating, binoculars and bird identification materials, has been set aside in the visitor center to assist birding enthusiasts in viewing and identifying birds attracted to feeding stations installed outside from the viewing area. Microphones have been placed under two of the stations so that visitors can also enjoy hearing and identifying bird vocalizations from inside the building.

Let's Go Birding

Erie National Wildlife Refuge is offering a free program for children who want to be a part of the fast growing world of birding. Obtain a copy of the "Let's Go Birding" booklet from the refuge office or download it by clicking here (2.33 MB pdf file).

Once you complete the activities, turn in the booklet to receive an embroidered "Let's Go Birding" patch (like the one above), a certificate of participation and have your picture taken to be added to Erie NWR Wall of Fame.

Kids, Be a Nature Explorer

Explore, Learn and Discover

The “Nature Explorer Program” turns children into nature detectives who must complete tasks or answer questions about the refuge. Click here to learn more.

Obtain a copy of the "Nature Explorer" booklet from the refuge office or download it by clicking here (155 kb pdf file) and start exploring.

Once you complete the activities, turn in the booklet to receive an embroidered "Nature Explorer" patch (like the one above), and a certificate of participation)

Beaver Run Trail – Sugar Lake Division

Two half-mile long paths (a loop and a spur) wind through natural surroundings where visitors can observe a variety of plant and animal life. Trail is located on Hanks Road.

Tsuga Nature Trail – Sugar Lake Division

This two-loop trail follows a 1.2 or 1.6 mile route through a variety of habitats. A boardwalk traverses a beaver pond. During winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted. Trail is located near headquarters/visitor contact station.

Deer Run Trail – Sugar Lake Division

A 3-mile trail of diverse landscapes through woods and fields taking visitors along Pool 9 for waterfowl viewing. A universally accessible spur has been added that leads to an observation deck overlooking the pool. Permanent viewing binoculars and seating under roof available. Trail is located on Boland/Ritchie Road accessible from both Routes 27 and 173.

Observation Blind – Sugar Lake Division

An ideal spot to observe and photograph wildlife. Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife. A short path leads to the blind which overlooks Reitz's Pond. Blind is located on Boland/Ritchie Road.

Deer Run Overlook – Sugar Lake Division

Sit quietly. Use binoculars or a long lens for a closer look. Eagles can often be observed flying overhead from this high point above the 130-acre Pool 9. Deer Run Overlook is located on Allen Road.

Wooded Drive – Sugar Lake Division

Cars make good observation blinds. Drive slowly, stopping to scan places wildlife might hide. This section of gravel township road is especially scenic and a good spot to observe white-tailed deer, turkey and other wildlife.

Sandstone Springhouse – Sugar Lake Division

Milk, eggs, cheese and vegetables were kept cool here long before refrigerators. Located on Hanks Road.

Muddy Creek Holly Trail – Seneca Division

A boardwalk trail (not a loop) traverses from Johnstown Road to Muddy Creek through beautiful wooded habitat. Excellent walk to view wildflowers. Trail is located on Johnstown Road.

Trolley Line Trail – Seneca Division

Follow an old railroad grade on the Seneca Division. Wildflowers and historic bridge foundations are highlights of this primitive trail. Watch your step as you travail the ravines with rope rails/pulls. Parking areas can be found at both ends Route 408 and Swamp Road (not a loop).

Trapping

The Refuge has nine trapping units in the Sugar Lake Division and seven units in the Seneca Division.

Interested trappers must submit an application and bid for the unit(s) they would like to trap. For instructions click here.

Hunting and Fishing

A universally accessible fishing pier is located at Pool K. Regulations are available from staff at the visitor contact station, in boxes located throughout the refuge, or by clicking the links below:

• Erie NWR Hunting Regulations and Maps (2011 version 532 KB pdf))
  

• Erie NWR Fishing Regulations and Maps
  (1.2 MB Adobe pdf file)

Refuge Hunt Permits Required -- Obtain your free Hunt Brochure/Permit at the the refuge office. Normal operating hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday – please call in advance to verify. You may also obtain Hunt Brochures from the four Information Kiosks (Route. 27 and Boland Rd.; east of  Route 173 and Richie Road; Route 408 and Swamp Road; outside of the Refuge headquarters off of Route 198 in Guys Mills) or download and print a copy of the 2011 Hunt Brochure/Permit above. The brochure must be signed in the white box on the front page and be on the hunter's person while hunting on the refuge. New harvest reports are in effect. Follow this link for more information. This year, harvest reports will be optional; however, we would still very much like to hear how you did.

Contact headquarters for information.

You will need Adobe Reader software to open the documents above. If you do not have this software, you may obtain it free of charge by following the link above.

Passes for Entry to Federal Lands are available at Erie National Wildlife Refuge

Interagency Annual, Senior and Access Passes are available.
Normal operating hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday – please call in advance to verify.

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Federal Junior Duck Stamps are collectors items with proceeds supporting the Junior Duck Stamp Design Program . They sell for $5.00 and may be purchased online.