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Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge |
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| 8588 Route 148 Marion, IL 62959 E-mail: craborchard@fws.gov Phone Number: 618-997-3344 |
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| Visit the Refuge's Web Site: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Crab_Orchard/ |
Wintering numbers of Canada Geese on the refuge can peak at 200,000. | ||
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 Each year, thousands of children get their first exposure to nature through environmental education activities on the refuge. F.amilies U.nderstanding N.ature is one program that allows families to come onto the refuge to see a wild animal up close and participate in hands-on activities. Kids have a lot of fun and excitement at our annual Kids Fishing Derby.
 If fishing is your sport, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is your place. The refuge's lakes are well known for their largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill populations. Fish on the bank or bring your boat. The refuge's three large man-made lakes and many small ponds make it an ideal spot for the fishing enthusiast.
 Hunting is a popular activity offered for both recreational opportunities and as a tool for managing the wildlife populations. The refuge is a popular area for duck and goose hunting. Deer and turkey hunters have excellent success here.
 The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge offers interpretive programs for organized groups and the general public. These programs are designed to increase visitor awareness, understanding, and appreciation of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats. Some of our interpretive programs include a wildflower tour along the Rocky Bluff Trail in the spring and bald eagle tours in January. The refuge's visitor center also offers an introduction video and interpretive exhibits for daily viewing.  The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge's 44,000 acres of land and water contain a wide variety of flora and fauna. The refuge serves as a winter feeding and resting area for waterfowl. Visitors viewing geese may see bald eagles overlooking the large flocks of waterfowl. White-tailed deer, common year round, can be seen in many areas of the refuge. Points of interest, trails, auto tours, and viewing blinds have been developed in order to encourage and enhance wildlife viewing. Leave No Trace Leave No Trace is a national educational program to inform visitors about reducing the damage caused by outdoor activities, particularly non-motorized recreation. Leave No Trace principles and practices are based on an abiding respect for the natural world and our fellow wildland visitors. We can act on behalf of the places and wildlife that inspire us by adopting the skills and ethics that enable us to Leave No Trace. 1. Plan ahead and prepare. 2. Travel on durable surfaces. 3. Dispose of waste properly. 4. Leave what you find. 5. Respect wildlife. 6. Be considerate of other visitors. For more information on Leave No Trace, visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics Web site. (http://www.lnt.org)
 Refuge Headquarters - Open 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Visitor Center - Open daily 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Wildlife Drive/Outdoor Facilities - Open daily (year-round).
 Vehicle passes are available at the Visitor Center and include either a current Federal Duck Stamp ($15.00), valid July 1 to June 30; a Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Pass ($15.00), valid July 1 to June 30; a 1-Day Pass ($2.00); or a 5-Day Pass ($5:00). Annual passes are also available. Vehicle entrance is free and a boat pass is 50% discounted for those with: a Golden Age Passport for those 62 years of age or older ($10.00); or a Golden Access Passport, free for the blind or permanently disabled.  Boat slip rentals are available for an annual or monthly fee. |
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| - Refuge Profile Page - | ||