Welcome
The Friends of Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge,
Inc. is a non-profit group officially recognized by the state
as of July 14th, 2006. Our purpose is to provide assistance
and support for Refuge projects and educational programs.
We work to raise public awareness of the Refuge, to create
environmental learning opportunities, and to financially back
those programs and projects through fund-raising activities.
We promote a good relationship with the Refuge staff, our
local communities, and the entire refuge system.
Our Mission
The Friends of Crane Meadows NWR believe that the Crane Meadows
National Wildlife Refuge is a unique natural resource and
that we can help the community develop a deeper appreciation
and understanding of the Refuge and its mission.
Events
and Updates
May 11, 2013
May Birdwalk
Are you interested in learning about birds and want to know
what species can be found around Little Falls during the Spring
migration? Join other birders on May 11 at Crane Meadows National
Wildlife Refuge for a morning walk along the Platte River
on the Platte River Trail. The event is sponsored by the Friends
of Crane Meadows and is free and open to the public. The walk
begins at 8:00 am at the Refuge Headquarters and will be about
2 hours long. Refreshments will be served at the end of the
walk in the Refuge Shop. Wear your walking shoes and bring
your binoculars. Loaner binoculars will be available at the
trailhead if needed. Additional birding may be offered if
there is interest. For more information call the Refuge Headquarters
at 320-632-1575.
June 8, 2013
Platte River Clean-up Day
Do you like to canoe or want to learn how? The Friends and
Staff of Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge along with
the Royalton Lions invite you to the Platte River Cleanup
Day on June 8, 2013. Take a leisurely float down the river
while picking up garbage. Enjoy the birds, scenery, being
outdoors, and maybe even fishing while helping the river.
The day begins at 8:00 am and usually ends by noon. Meet at
the Refuge Headquarters for your assignment. Some canoes,
paddles, and life jackets are available but you are welcome
to bring your own. Drop off and pick up service is provided
by Refuge staff or volunteers. The event is free and open
to the public. Refreshments will be served at the end of the
clean up. Please call the Refuge for more information, to
sign up, and check on canoe availability. 320-632-1575.
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Habitat Day
Are you ready for the 13th annual Habitat Day at Crane Meadows
National Wildlife Refuge? Participants may learn more about
two avian species that use nest boxes, the bluebird and wood
duck. You are encouraged to assemble a nest box to take home
and place on your property. There are numerous exhibits and
resource-oriented groups / organizations who cosponsor this
annual event. Event runs from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm and is free
and open to the public. Some cordless drills and philps screwheads
are available at the Refuge, but participants can also bring
their own. Weather permitting; snowshoes may be available
for use. For more information call the Refuge Headquarters
at 632-1575
Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013
Candlelight Ski
Experience the Refuge at night. The Staff and Friends of Crane
Meadows NWR are hosting a Candlelight Ski on Saturday, February
23, 2013 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. A trail will be lit by candle
luminaries and participants are encouraged to cross-country
ski or snowshoe. If no snow, hiking will be encouraged. Refreshments
will be available in the heated garage at Refuge Headquarters.
A Master Naturalist will be on-site to talk about night animals.
The event is free and open to the public. Paps Sport Shop
is offering a special ski and snowshoe rental for the evening.
Call Paps ahead of time to fit the equipment, 320-632-5171.
For more information call the Refuge at 320-632-1575. Click
Here to view photos...
Photos from past Events
Check out Photos from
past Events....
If you are interested in helping, we have many volunteer opportunities
and would also love to have you as a member of the Friends
group. Click
here to email us for more info.
What the Refuge has to Offer:
1,865 acres of natural habitat
• Oak savanna
• Wetland (sedge meadow, shallow lake, seasonal basins)
• Native Tallgrass Prairie
Platte River Trail
• 3.6 miles, 2 viewing platforms, informational kiosk
• Hiking, cross country skiing
• Wildlife observation and photography
Habitat Day
• Learn about wildlife
• Meet neighbors and others involved in resource management
and protection
• Build a nest box to benefit wildlife on your property
Partners for Wildlife Program
• Wetland restoration work on private lands
• Upland restoration work on private lands
Volunteer Program
• Assist with events
• Wildflower seed production
Land Stewardship
• Work with other agencies/organization within the county
Community Stewardship
• Work with groups/organizations to better our community
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