
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
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