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
The Friends of Crane Meadows NWR and the Morrison County Birding
Club would like to invite birders of all ages to join Frank
Gosiak and Milt Blomberg for a day of bird watching around
Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and other sites. Caleb
Gosiak will be on hand to lead a younger set of bird watchers.
On Sunday, May 4, those interested are invited to meet at
8:00 am at the parking lot for the Platte River Hiking Trail
located off of County Road 35 near the Refuge headquarters.
The group will hike 3.7 miles of trail along the Platte River
and Rice Lake, walking through Oak Savannah, tall grass prairie,
and wetland complexes. Two observation decks are located along
the trail one of which has a spotting scope. After the hike,
a lunch will be provided by the Friends groups at the Refuge
headquarters around noon.
You are requested to register with the Little Falls Convention
and Visitors Bureau at 320-616-4959 by May 2 for a head count
for the lunch. The event is free.
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
Be sure to visit the Morrison County Birding Web-Site.
http://mcbirding.org
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