My Backyard : Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
Written: Jan 21 '07 (Updated Jan 22 '07)
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Pros: Wildlife, fishing, photographic opportunities, peaceful
Cons: ongoing development
The Bottom Line: A nice place to relax, observe wildlife and fish. While not geared to children, adults interested in wildlife will enjoy an abundance of it here.
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| cmaw63's Full Review: Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge |
With the Illinois River flowing next to it and the Spoon River running through it, the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge is a human and wildlife paradise. You can find this refuge about an hour south/west of Peoria or a few miles west of Havana, Illinois. Along Route 97/78, there is a turn off area that has a ramp for putting in your boat to the Spoon River, another has become an unofficial dog training and exercising spot. Some pull-offs are for leaving your car, so you can hike, watch wildlife, have a picnic at the provided tables or fish off of a raised dock. There are many things to do, but, my favorite is to just sit and watch the different animals, I'm fortunate enough to see, and listen to the quiet.
The History
The Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge started with the purchase of 243 acres, on December 29th, 1993. The Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge website states, "The refuge is being assembled to protect, restore, and manage migratory bird, fish, and resident wildlife habitat in the Illinois River Valley, while providing for increased public recreation and educational opportunities."
The Dickson Mound Museum, next to the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, attests to the fact that Native Americans thrived in this area, thanks to the abundant wildlife, water and rich soil. The artifacts in the museum are from this area and tell the history of the land of this wildlife refuge
Early settlers discovered what the Native Americans had known for years. Everything that a man and his family needed to survive was here for the taking. Thompson and Flag lakes were a part of this land, but were drained in the early 1900's and the area around the river was built up to stop flooding, for agricultural purposes. It left this land a farmers paradise, but the majority of the animals were left to find a new way of life.
My History with Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
I, personally, have seen two different cattle ranch/operations and many different farmers utilize the rich soil left from the lake drainages. I am happy to now see the destruction and removal of all things man-made to prepare for the restoration of, what was once and soon to be again, an excellent temporary or permanent home to an abundance of wildlife.
The Present
There are, approximately, 2200 acres now in the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge. Besides the river area, there is 800 acres of shallow wetlands that provide a haven for spring migratory birds. With the acquisition of some privately owned land, in the future, the shallow wetlands will have year-round water to aid with the fall migration, also. There are 712 acres being restored to semi-permanent marsh conditions, 100 acres of bottomland hardwoods and 80 acres with native grassland habitat.
There is currently seasonal hunting, fishing and hiking available. This includes a half mile wheelchair accessible trail for the disabled.
My Experiences Now
I spend several hours a month at various spots in the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge. My husband and I fish, spring, summer and fall in Spoon River. We catch more catfish than we can eat, along with crappie, bass and carp. I do suggest putting your boat in at Havana, IL. After getting into your boat, you cut across the Illinois river and north to the mouth of the Spoon River. Using the Spoon River ramp can be tricky at times. There's not a lot of room and if the water is down, the ramp can be quite steep.
I have taken many pictures of the scenery and wildlife. Ducks, geese, herons and hawks are a few of the photos I now have added to my collection. I have seen a bald eagle, but it was gone before I could get it framed by the camera. I look forward to returning again and again, until I get my bald eagle photo. This area has several bald eagles that return yearly, between October and March.
I've met great people and even greater dogs, while taking pictures of the wooden foot bridge at the dog training area. I have offered to take pictures of the dogs and their owners and email them the results, for free. I have made a few friends, that I correspond with regularly now, including a couple from Missouri.
I enjoy taking a book and sitting at a picnic table on the raised dock. With the Spoon River flowing by, the trees shading me and the sounds of the many birds, it is truly one of the most relaxing spots for me. While sitting there, I have been lucky enough to see a doe and her young fawn getting a drink at the rivers edge.
While, I enjoy all of this, I have to admit...I wouldn't do it without some type of insect repellent. No matter what your reason for visiting Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge it is necessary to protect yourself from the mosquitoes and other biting/stinging insects.
The Future
The final plan for Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge is to include 11,122 acres of various habitats for the wildlife that will call it home for a few weeks or a lifetime. It is hoped that this refuge will, also, bring people to the area to enjoy the activities and learn more about the animals it protects.
My Hopes
The plans of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are ambitious, but I can see them coming together, a little more, every time I go to the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge. I hope that nothing derails the further development of what is, already, a nice place into becoming a great place for wildlife and human alike. I am fortunate in that I when I drive to work each day, I get to use the road that bisects the refuge. It is a concern that the speed limit is 55 mph on this road...with many doing over that. I'm curious to see, what, if anything they will do to help prevent wildlife casualties. I'm happy with the progress here and look forward to the total restoration of this refuge. There is no greater backyard than the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge.
Interesting Facts from Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge Site:
Habitat protected and managed as part of the Illinois River National Wildlife and Fish Refuges provides critical areas that are capable of supporting:
404 species of plants
45 species of mammals
102 species of fish
48 species of reptiles
19 species of amphibians
37 species of molluscs
10 species of crustaceans
264 species of birds
Five species found on the refuges are on the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species list, and 80 species are on the State Threatened and Endangered Species list.
Illinois State Park & Wildlife Refuge Reviews
Argyle Lake State Park
Spring Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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Epinions.com ID:
cmaw63
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 in Pets, Home and Garden, Books |
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Member: Julie
Location: Illinois, USA
Reviews written: 307
Trusted by: 73 members
About Me:
Looking forward to my first grandbaby. She's due November 24!
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