Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

 

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge consists of approximately 50,000 acres within Jefferson, Ripley, and Jennings counties in southeastern Indiana. Under a recent agreement with the US Army and US Air Force, the Service operates the refuge through a 25-year real-estate permit. The Army retains ownership of the land (the closed Jefferson Proving Ground). The Air Force retains use of a bombing range which is not included in the portion designated as a national wildlife refuge. Large safety buffer areas separate the Air Force range from public use areas of the refuge.

 

Big Oaks Refuge contains the largest unfragmented forested block in southeastern Indiana and some of the largest grassland areas found within the region. The refuge provides habitat for 120 species of breeding birds, the Federally endangered Indiana bat, and 41 species of fish. The refuge also is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkey, river otters, and coyotes. Over 25 State-listed animal species and over 46 State-listed plant species have been discovered to date on the refuge. Many bird species of management concern are also found here, including Henslow's sparrows and cerulean warblers. Over 800 singing male Henslow's sparrows use the large grasslands on the refuge. Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge has been designated as a Globally Important Bird Area because of its value to Henslow's sparrows and other migratory birds.

 

 

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

 

Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is located in south central Indiana. It includes 7,802 acres near Seymour and a 78-acre parcel, known as the Restle Unit, near Bloomington.

 

Muscatatuck's mission is simple: to restore, preserve, and manage a mix of forest, wetland, and grassland habitat for fish, wildlife, and people. Special management emphasis is given to waterfowl, other migratory birds, and endangered species.

 

Nine miles of refuge roads that are open sunrise to sunset seven days/week attract approximately 185,000 visitors to the refuge each year. Wildlife-viewing opportunities are excellent at Muscatatuck, and the refuge is known as an exceptionally fine bird watching site.