Welcome to Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge


The Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing use of the Refuge for wildlife conservation, recreation, agriculture and industry. Established in 2000, the Friends have worked collaboratively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the community to fundraise, provide volunteer services, and support Refuge programs. Please consider joining us.

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Friends of Crab Orchard Mission Statement

1. The Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge is a non-profit citizens’ organization dedicated to working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and community to achieve the optimum use of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge for wildlife conservation, recreation, agriculture and industry.

2. Promote and assist in development of education activities and facilities to promote environmental education on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

3. Act as a Liaison between the general public and Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

4. Maintain the original purpose and function of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

5. Assist with funding of designated projects on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

6. Serve as a focus body for all organizations affiliated with Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

About Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established
August 5, 1947. The refuge is made up of 44,000 acres of land with a great diversity of flora and fauna. The major habitats on the refuge include oak, hickory, upland forest, bottomland, hardwood forest, cropland, grazing units, brushland, prairie, wetlands and lakes. The refuge also includes a 4,050 acre congressionally designated wilderness area.