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Upcoming Events

Refuge

If you would like a copy of the events for 2017 click here.

January

Birding Tour

January 14th
Come and join us for a birding tour guided by Crab Orchard NWR Volunteers. Experienced birders
will lead the tour.
Binoculars are available at the Refuge Visitor Center for check-out.
Program begins at 8:15 am at the Refuge Visitor Center
Reservations are required.

Fee Free Day
Monday, January 15th

Bald Eagle Tours
January 27th, 28th
Guided tours visit eagle nests and areas of the Refuge where eagles may be spotted.
Saturdays and Sundays at 8am, 11am and 2pm
Meet at the Crab Orchard NWR Visitor Center.
Reservations are required.
Reservations beginning December 26th.

February

Bald Eagle Tours

February 3rd, 4th
Guided tours visit eagle nests and areas of the Refuge where eagles may be spotted.
Saturdays and Sundays at 8am, 11am and 2pm
Meet at the Crab Orchard NWR Visitor Center.
Reservations are required.
Reservations beginning December 26th.

Birding Tour
February 11th
Come and join us for a birding tour guided by Crab Orchard NWR Volunteers. Experienced birders
will lead the tour.
Binoculars are available at the Refuge Visitor Center for check-out.
Program begins at 8:15 am at the Refuge Visitor Center
Reservations are required.

Fee Free Day
Monday, February 19th

March

Volunteer Recruitment Day
Becoming an Outdoors-Family Program
March 2
Want to help out your local wildlife refuge?  Come to the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Recruitment Day!  Volunteerism is a large part of the   Wildlife Refuge system and could include you!
Event is at the Visitor’s Center from 10 am - 12 pm
Photography 101
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
March 9
Photography 101 is perfect for beginners! Anyone can come and join us, from the little ones to adults! Photography is a great way to enjoy the wonders of the           outdoors. Come, join a CONWR volunteer, and learn the basics of   nature     photography with the whole family. Then practice your new skills on a group hike!
Program begins at 10 am
Program meets at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Reservations are recommended.
Refuge Ponds Open
March 15
Our ponds are open again!  Time to do some fishing! Check the Refuge map for pond locations.
Bicycling the Back Roads of the Refuge
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
March 16
Everyone knows that bicycling is great exercise, a great way to spend time    outdoors, and a great way to spend time as a family.  But did you also know it can be a great way to explore parts of the refuge usually gone unseen?  Bring the whole family and join us for a bike trip through some of the restricted parts of the refuge!  Take in the sites and see how much wildlife you can spot along the way.
Participants must be at least 10 years old.  
Program begins at 9:00 am
Reservations are required.
Crab Orchard Photography Group
March 20
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.
Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Youth Turkey Hunt Workshop
March 23
Successfully drawn hunters of the Crab Orchard Youth Turkey Spring Permit should attend to a Youth Turkey Workshop.
Sign up early for a day of fun and learning at the Youth Turkey Workshop. Learn all you need to know about turkey hunting, safety and stay for some snacks and prizes! Keep an eye on our website, Facebook Page or call to the Visitor Center for more information about this event.
Family Archery Course
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
March 23
Are you ready to bring out the Robin Hood in your family?  Come, join us in the BOF  archery course, and spend a morning learning the archery basics. This course is for the whole family, allowing beginners to build their skills. Course is a basic introduction of archery. Equipment will be provided for all the members of your family.
Participants must be at least 10 years old.  
Program begins at 10 am
Program meets at the Martha's Theater.

Reservations are required.   

April

Crab Orchard  and Devils Kitchen Campground Open
April 1
Our campgrounds open again! Time to go camping!
Cast Iron Cooking with a Ranger!
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
April 7
Join a refuge Ranger for a delicious course of cast iron cooking! Although cast iron cooking may be an old and challenging way of cooking, it can be fun too! Learn some cast iron cooking secrets while enjoying the beautiful scenery at Devils Kitchen Group Campground Area. Bring the whole family down, learn a few recipes, and end with a well earned lunch!
Program begins at 1:00 pm
This program will be at Devils Kitchen Group Campground Area
Reservations are required.
Crab Orchard Photography Group
April 17
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.
Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Wildflower Hike
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
April 20 and April 27
Join an informed CONWR volunteer at the Rocky Bluff trailhead for a spring wildflower hike. While walking through the woods you will see an explosion of     colors in the landscape and get a closer look at one of the most beautiful wildflower viewing spots in Southern Illinois.  
This trail is a moderately difficult hike.  
Meet at the Rocky Bluff Hiking Trail, Tacoma Lake Road
Program begins at 10 am

Reservations are recommended.

May

Spring Nature Photography Course
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
May 11
After the winter season, spring season arrives accompanied by an enchanted and            impressive change in the landscape. Flowers will bloom, often creating a bed in the forest floor and songbirds will return with a brilliant melody to your ears. This could be an inspiring time to capture nature’s beauty. Come and join a CONWR volunteer and learn the basics of spring photography with the whole family and then practice your new skills on a group hike!
Program begins at 10 am
Program meets at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Reservations are recommended.
Crab Orchard Photography Group
May 15
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.
Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Full Moon Kayak Tour
Becoming an Outdoors-Family Program
May 18
Kayak under the glow of the full moon at Crab Orchard NWR Devils Kitchen Lake! Paddle as the moon rises and learn about the land around you. Explore nature in a unique way during a starry night. Learn interesting facts about the Refuge history, view wildlife as you pass by, and enjoy the breeze as you kayak out with our rangers.  Kayaks are limited make, sure to reserve your space!    
Ages 15 and up only.
Program begins at 6 pm
Reservations are required.
Refuge Rendezvous
Program at CONWR Campground
May 25
The Refuge Rendezvous Program occurs once a month during a Saturday through camping season.
Program begins at 5:30 pm
Meets at the Crab Orchard Lake  Campground.

Free to the public and camping is not required to attend.

June

Hiking with the Ranger
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
June 1
Hiking is an awesome way to spend time outdoors and create memories. Hiking trails have a story to tell and can introduce you to a new appreciation of the    history and the woodlands of the Refuge. A Ranger-led hike is an excellent way to learn more about Crab Orchard NWR. Come and join us on National Trails Day!
This trail is an easy partially paved hike.  
Meets at the Refuge Visitor Center
Program begins at 10 am
Reservations are required.
Kids Fishing Derby
June 8
The Kids Fishing Derby is a free event hosted by the Refuge and our many local    sponsors. It is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend a day together on the Refuge fishing. The Derby is for kids 12 and younger.  Free lunch will be provided for participants and their families.
Registration begins at 8 am.
Prairie Creek Recreation Area
Event runs from 8am - 12 pm,
Fee Free Day
Saturday June 8 and Sunday June 9
Refuge Rendezvous
Program at CONWR Campground
June 15
The Refuge Rendezvous Program occurs once a month during a Saturday through camping season.
Program begins at 5:30 pm
Meets at the Crab Orchard Lake  Campground.
Free to the public and camping is not required to attend.
Crab Orchard Photography Group
June 19
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.
Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Halloween in Summer - Building a Bat Box
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
June 22
Despite their peculiar appearance, the truth is that bats are fascinating animals. Often called ugly or misunderstood they play an important role to maintain the balance of an ecosystem. Learn about the importance of bats and build bat boxes with us to encourage these important creatures. Come to Crab Orchard NWR for some Halloween in Summer Fun!  
Program begins at 1:00 pm
Reservations are required.
Kayaking The Refuge
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
June 29
Come and paddle Crab Orchard NWR Devils Kitchen Lake under a blue summer sky! Join a Refuge Ranger through the backwaters of the Refuge and explore      nature in a unique way. Seeing nature from the water could expose you to a          different perspective of the landscape. Learn interesting facts about the Refuge history, view wildlife as you pass by, and enjoy the summer breeze. Kayaks are   limited, make sure to reserve your space!    
Ages 15 and up only.
First program begins at 8:30 am
Second program begins at 11:30 am

Reservations are required.

July

Kayaking The Refuge
Becoming an Outdoors-Family Program
July 13
Come and paddle Crab Orchard NWR Devils Kitchen Lake under a blue summer sky! Join a Refuge Ranger through the backwaters of the Refuge and explore nature in a unique way. Seeing nature from the water could expose you to a different      perspective of the landscape. Learn interesting facts about the Refuge history, view wildlife as you pass by, and enjoy the summer breeze. Kayaks are limited, make sure to reserve your space!   
Ages 15 and up only.
First program begins at 8:30 am
Second program begins at 11:30 am
Reservations are required.
Crab Orchard Photography Group
July 17
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.
Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Refuge Rendezvous
Program at CONWR Campground
July 20
The Refuge Rendezvous Program occurs once a month during a Saturday through camping season.
Program begins at 5:30 pm
Meets at the Crab Orchard Lake  Campground.

Free to the public and camping is not required to attend.

August

Outdoor Spanish Immersion Class
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
August 10
¿Hablas español? Outdoor enthusiasts and Spanish learners can make new       connections by joining our bilingual Ranger and volunteer on a beautiful hike. Engaging yourself in a second language can open a gateway of new experiences. Come and combine your appreciation of the outdoor and linguistics through our Spanish Immersion Program. The program includes a brief introduction at the visitors center  followed by a short hike.
Meets at the Refuge Visitor Center
Program begins at 10 am
Reservations are recommended
Refuge Rendezvous
Program at CONWR Campground
August 17
Moths could amaze you with their unique characteristics! Often small and diverse in the shape of their body, these mostly-nocturnal fliers come out to visit us after dusk. Moths benefit the ecosystem by pollinating plants and being a source of food for other animals. Come and join a Refuge Ranger and a CONWR volunteer while they share with you the fascinating characteristics of these tiny creatures.
Program begins at 7pm
Meets at the Crab Orchard Lake  Campground.
Free to the public and camping is not required to attend.
Crab Orchard Photography Group
August 21
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.

Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.

September

Fall Nature Photography Course
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
September 7
After the summer season, fall season arrives accompanied by medley of colors such as yellow, brown and orange that will delight your eyes. This could be an inspiring time to capture nature’s beauty. Come and join a CONWR volunteer and learn the basics of fall photography with the whole family and then practice your new skills on a group hike!
Program begins at 10 am
Program meets at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Reservations are recommended.
Butterfly Round-up
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program                                                                                                          
September 14
Each year hundreds of monarch butterflies travel through our area when    making their perilous journey to spend the cold months of winter in Mexico.  Visitors are invited to help catch and tag these butterflies as they feed and rest at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
Program runs from 10am - 12pm
Meets at the Refuge Visitor Center
Reservations are  required.
Crab Orchard Photography Group
September 18
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.
Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Refuge Clean Up / National Public Lands Day
September 21
The Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge will be hosting the annual Public Use Lands Day at the Prairie Creek Recreation Area. Projects could include     planting trees, painting, trash pick up, etc. Spend the day outdoors and help keep Crab Orchard beautiful.
Event runs from 8am - 1pm
Prairie Creek Recreation Area
Refuge Rendezvous
Program at CONWR Campground
September 21
The Refuge Rendezvous Program occurs once a month during a Saturday through camping season.
Program begins at 5:30 pm
Meets at the Crab Orchard Lake  Campground.
Free to the public and camping is not required to attend.
Hunting & Fishing Days
September 28 & 29
Come join us at John A. Logan College for the 29th annual Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days. Attend a casting workshop, watch the dock dogs compete, listen to the waterfowl callers and try archery, check out all the latest gear and much more.
September 28 8am-5pm & September 29 9am-4pm
Fee Free Day
Sunday, September  28 & 29
Refuge Ponds Close

September 30

October

Talking Tombstones
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
October 12
From time to time cemeteries are seen as melancholy or eerie places. People could visit a cemetery to pay respect to a love one or pursue silence. Cemeteries can help you to know the past of the land that surrounds you, understand history, or get to know your ancestors. While traveling in time, join a Refuge Ranger and take a closer look at some of the Crab Orchard NWR cemeteries, explore parts of the refuge usually unseen, and learn interesting facts about the Refuge history.
Program begins at 10 am
Program meets at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Reservations are required.
Fee Free Day
Sunday, October 13th
Crab Orchard Photography Group
October 16
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.
Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Discovery Tours
October 20 & 27
We will open up the restricted portion of the refuge for a self-guided tour.
Tours begin at the Wolf Creek Causeway, volunteers will be stationed throughout the tour to answer questions.
Gates open from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Outdoor Cooking
Becoming an Outdoors Family Program
October 26
Join CONWR volunteers fun and delicious course!  Learn from an expert how to whip up delicious meals over a hot fire and in a Dutch-oven.  Bring the whole family down, learn a few recipes, and end with a well earned lunch!
Program begins at 10:00 am
This program will be at Martha's Theater
Reservations are required.
Crab Orchard  and Devils Kitchen Campground Close
October 30

Our campgrounds close for the season.

November

Bird Tour
Becoming an Outdoors-Family Program
November 2
Grab your binoculars, look and listen! Birds are amazing animals with unique     characteristics. Knowing how to “bird-watch” is a gift that keeps on giving.  It opens your eyes to nature even if you aren’t in the most natural setting. Join a Refuge Ranger and a CONWR volunteer in birding adventure during the fall migration. Learn the basics of bird watching and bird identification. It is a great way to get the family together, enjoy nature, and enjoy the variety of birds we are lucky to have pass through Illinois.
Program begins at 8:15 am
Program meets at the Refuge Visitor Center.
Reservations are required.
Fee Free Day
Monday, November 11
Crab Orchard Photography Group
November 20
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.

Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.

December

Crab Orchard Photography Group
December  18
Meets every third Wednesday of the month.

Meeting begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Visitor Center.


Youth Waterfowl Workshop and Hunt
December 20& 21
Successfully  drawn hunters of the Crab Orchard Youth Turkey Spring Permit should attend to a Youth Turkey Workshop. Sign up early for a day of fun and learning at the Youth Waterfowl Workshop.  Learn all you need to know about waterfowl hunting, safety and stay for the pizza and prizes!  The following day will be the hunt; hunters age 15 or younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots, and mergansers as long as they are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age.  The accompanying adult cannot hunt during the weekend.
Keep an eye on our website, Facebook Page or call to the Visitor Center for more
information about this event.
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