The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is following federal, state, and local public health authority guidance to implement a phased approach to increase public access to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
Based on this guidance and in accordance with the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some concessionaire-run amenities at the refuge have begun to safely increase access.
Beginning June 4th, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge reopened public access to the Blue Heron and Little Grassy Campgrounds and Marinas for the summer season. Beginning June 11th, the Crab Orchard Lake Campground will open.
We are excited to welcome you back but do ask that you follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick. Staff are working to maintain clean, safe, and healthy facilities in accordance with federal, state and local guidance.
Click the link below for Restoring Access information at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
Please continue to visit this site for updates. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Restoring Access
The draft Compatibility Determination will be made available for public review and comment for 15 days from Friday July 24, 2020. A press release was sent to local media outlets on July 24, 2020 notifying the public of the comment period. The compatibility determination was also posted at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 8588 Route 148, Marion, IL 62959 and available on the refuge website. Concerns expressed during the public comment period will be addressed in the final draft.
Learn more
Crab Orchard Photography Group
Bring your camera and dress for the outdoors (weather permitting). The Crab Orchard Photography Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month (except January 2020) from 8 to 11am. Meet your CONWR volunteer photographer/leader at the Visitor Center, then carpool and caravan to special locations in the Refuge to photograph the seasonal offerings such as wildflowers, butterflies, migrating birds, and other wonders of nature. The group will reconvene back at the Visitor Center to share pictures and talk about photography. No experience necessary! No reservations required! For more information contact the Refuge Visitor Center.
Junior Refuge Ranger Program
Kids ages 4 to 12 can become a Junior Ranger by completing certain steps in the Junior Refuge Ranger Booklet! This booklet is full of fun activities that can be done while exploring the Refuge with the whole family, next time that you come and visit us ask a Ranger for it.