), rowing you kayak, picnicking or just relaxing. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge: Crab orchard wildlife - See 78 traveler reviews, 9 candid photos, and great deals for Marion, IL, at Tripadvisor. Crab Orchard has many ways to enjoy nature and a lot of people visit for the fishing opportunities the refuge gives the visitors. NOTE: If you have one of the various National Park admission passes you will not have to pay this charge! We look to begin construction early this summer. Good for family camping and boating. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge: Wonderful photographic location - See 78 traveler reviews, 9 candid photos, and great deals for Marion, IL, at Tripadvisor. The Alabama native was named Crab Orchard’s manager three weeks ago. Find the travel option that best suits you. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge protects over 43,000 acres of southern Illinois; just over 4000 acres are a designated wilderness area. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. That was Justin Sexton’s reply when he interviewed for the position of refuge manager of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Look for migratory birds out on the ice or perched along the shores of Crab Orchard Lake especially from the Wolf Creek Causeway or along Route 148.” —Crab Orchard NWR. I see it as a wonderful opportunity to work with a very high level staff, very knowledgeable staff. With air travel down, many Americans are hitting the roads during COVID-19. I sat there on the couch on New Year’s night, cursing my own stupidity. That’s how I see myself and my role, a public servant to create opportunities for people, for hunting and fishing, recreation and we have industry and the agriculture program as well.”. He hopes the new headquarters building will be ready for use in early 2021. “Working with the Corps of Engineers, we had marinas, so that’s not uncommon to me. Other creatures you might spot over the course of your stay include wild turkey, hawks, owls, ducks, and an array of migratory birds. The available food supply will be augmented by Tweet Share Email. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Marion, Illinois: 2 reviews, 5 photos, & 0 tips from fellow RVers. Beautiful spot for observing wildlife....... Just outside of Marion, this NATIONAL wildlife refuge is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon observing all sorts of birds (we even saw an American bald eagle!! A-41 Pond Fishing Access Road is a trail in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, IL. Virtual Reality Travel Sees A Surge In Popularity. Lots of new Fans this weekend! Really nice place, beautiful lake, lots of accommodations for boats to launch. Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Animal Lovers viewing & sightseeing and don't forget Binoculars! A user permit is required to access the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge (Crab Orchard NWR) located in southern Illinois is a refuge for humans and wildlife alike, and has a unique history of industry, employment, and restoration. “I see Crab Orchard as a really unique resource in the refuge system,” Sexton said. May 12, 2017 - here is a $2 day use fee to hike the trails or use the water at the refuge. If you’re into wildlife viewing, fishing, or maybe some casual waking, be sure to visit the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge area in Williamson County. Location: Crab Orchard Lake is a 6965-acre impoundment located in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge between Marion and Carbondale in Williamson County Illinois. Justin Sexton is the new manager of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I hope I can lead us all in a direction to improve things on the refuge.”. About seven years ago Cindy Allen of Anna started the Southern Illinois Birding Group Facebook page as a place for friends to share their bird…. have a Golden Senior Vehicle Pass. Sexton named new refuge manager. 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. more, Things to do near Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Ducks, Geese, and birds of all types can be seen year round. The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located in southern Illinois, 50 miles north of the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. As manager at Crab Orchard, he will also oversee the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge based in Ullin. I like to look at big picture type things.”. MARION — Phase one of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge’s face-lift is nearing completion while the second phase is on the drawing board. The Alabama native most recently managed Two River National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Natural Atlas is powered by contributors like you. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Marion is rated 10.0 of 10 at Campground Reviews. Great fishing in the large lake! The refuge staff hopes to … Thanks to all you local Southern Illinoisans for sharing Crab Orchard with your family and friends! Explore. The 43,890-acre Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois is one of the largest refuges in the Great Lakes/Big Rivers Region. Sexton takes over the refuge at a busy time. CRAB ORCHARD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Post Office Box J CartervMle. “We’ve got a pretty major construction project on the spillway which we’ll be undertaking this year,” he said. 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