Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
During the current public health emergency, whenever possible, outdoor recreation sites at national wildlife refuges will remain open to the public.

For local conditions review the information on this website and call ahead.

If visiting one of our location, please ensure public health and safety by following guidance from the CDC and state and local public health authorities. You can do this by maintaining social distancing, avoiding overcrowding and excercising good hygiene.

Features

  • Hunting Proposal

    The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is proposing to update the refuge’s hunting program and is seeking public comment.

    Learn more...

  • WoodTrush

    Banking on Nature

    Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge brings you more than watchable wildlife, it's good for the economy.

    Learn More

  • Pelicans1

    Follow Crab Orchard on Facebook

    Follow Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge on Facebook to keep up to date on the latest events and wildlife sightings on the refuge.

    Crab Orchard NWR Facebook

  • 2018 Jr Duck Stamp_B

    Illinois 2020 Junior Duck Stamp Contest

    The Junior Duck Stamp Contest integrates art and science into a hands-on learning experience. Click the link below for more information

    Junior Duck Stamp Contest Information

News

Crab Orchard Photography Group

Crab Orchard Photograohy Group Rezise

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

Jr Ranger - Resize

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.

Illinois Jr Duck Stamp

Illinois Junior Duck Stamp

Selina Shen_2019 Illinois Jr Duck Stamp Winner

The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program integrates art and science into a hands-on learning experience. Through art and science, this program teaches students in grades K through 12 the value of wetlands and the waterfowl that use them.Each year hundreds of students participate in their state’s program nationwide. Congratulations to Selina Shen for winning Best of Show in the 2019 Illinois Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest! Selina painting of a Ruddy Duck will continue on to the National 2019 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Competition. Click the link below for Illinois contest information

Illinois Jr Duck Stamp

America the Beautiful Passes

America the Beautiful Passes

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Senior Lifetime, Senior Annual, Interagency Annual, Military, Disabled Access Passes, and Every Kid Outdoors (4th Grade) passes, along with the Federal Duck Stamp and Refuge Specific Passes, are available at the Crab Orchard Visitor Center. Accepted payments are cash or check. Credit or debit cards may not be used for payment.

More Information

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online