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


December 3, 2011
Backyard Bird Feeder Day
Want to bring some color into your life on those cold, dreary winter days? Feed the birds. Don’t have a feeder? Come to Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge headquarters on December 3 for the third annual Backyard Bird Feeder Day. Supplies will be furnished for you and your family to build a feeder to take home for your feathered friends. Bird feeding information will be available and a bag of birdseed will be given out with the feeder material. Feeders may be limited to one per family due to limited supplies. Snowshoeing will also be available weather permitting. The event runs from 9:00 am to noon and is free. Crane Meadows NWR is located six miles from Little Falls on Iris Road or County Road 35. Contact the Refuge at 632-1575 for more information.


June11, 2011
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 11, 2011. 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


May 14, 2011
Spring bird walk
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 during International Migratory Birding Day on May 14 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 along with Refuge staff and is free and open to the public. The walk begins at 8:00 am at the Platte River Trailhead and will conclude by noon. 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. For more information call the Refuge Headquarters at 320-632-1575.

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