The colorful Bobolink is a familiar summer sight in prairies and grassy areas of our northern states, but in southern Illinois it is one of our many spring migrants. Now is the time to look for them, .
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is seeking nature photos of Southern Illinois public lands. All photos must be taken south of I-64 on federal or state or local parks, refuge or forestry lands and be in one of these categories: Landscape /Scenic; Birds; Other Wildlife; Flowers/Plants/Trees/Fungi; Pollinators/Insects/Spiders; or Photos taken on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. In addition, we are introducing a new annual theme category and this year’s theme will be Reflections. Photos taken by youth (17 and under) will be judged separately. Photos should be submitted at the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center Gift Shop by Sunday, April 7, 2024. The Visitor’s Center is located 6987 Headquarters Road, Marion and is open 8-4:30 daily. <br/>Contest rules and entry forms are available at the NWR Visitor’s Center and at the Friends of Crab Orchard website, http://www.friendsofcraborchardrefuge.com/ . For questions, email photography@friendsofc