Wildlife habitat preservation in Marion, Illinois

The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, located at 8588 Illinois 148 in Marion, Illinois, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This park and tourist attraction offers a variety of activities such as hiking, canoeing, hunting, camping, picnicking, wildlife photography, and birdwatching. The visitor center makes it convenient for guests to pay entrance fees, purchase annual vessel passes, and reserve campsites through recreation.gov. National wildlife refuges, like Crab Orchard, provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing visitors to reconnect with the natural world. With over 4 minutes of total eclipse viewing time, the refuge will be an ideal location for viewing the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Those planning to attend this event can find helpful eclipse tips on the website.

Karl Bartel Grasslands Land & Water Reserve is a park located in Kinmundy, Illinois, United States. This 80-acre reserve is adjacent to other public and private grasslands in Marion County and is protected in perpetuity as an Illinois Land & Water Reserve. The Illinois Audubon Society purchased the land in 2002 and is currently restoring it to grasslands. Four small wetlands have been created on the reserve, attracting shorebirds and waterfowl. Visit Karl Bartel Grasslands Land & Water Reserve to enjoy the beauty of nature and observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.