Features

  • WoodTrush

    Banking on Nature

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

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  • Proposed Changes to Hunting Program

    The refuge is proposing to open refuge lands and waters to public recreational hunting and is seeking public comment on the changes.

    learn more and documents...

  • 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

  • Row crop farming opportunities available

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking bids for seven row crop units within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

    Learn more

  • 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 2019) 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.

Refuge Rendezvous - Discovering Nature at the Campground

CO Campground resize

Reconnect with nature as park rangers and volunteers provide interactive programs about Crab Orchard NWR. These family friendly activities will help you explore the world of wildlife, the history of the refuge, and outdoor skills to make your adventures more enjoyable. Join us at the Crab Orchard Lake Campground. Free to the public and camping is not required to attend.

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

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

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
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