Meredosia Refuge
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The Meredosia Refuge was established in 1973 and is located along the east side of the Illinois River in Morgan and Cass Counties, Illinois. The town of Meredosia is situated along the southern boundary of the refuge and Springfield is about 50 miles to the east of the refuge.
When complete, the refuge will total 5,255 acres. About 2,400 acres remain to be acquired from eighteen landowners. The Meredosia Refuge is located in the upper end of the Alton Navigation Pool in an area that was historically known for its ability to sustain fish and wildlife.
Meredosia Refuge was established to provide an inviolate sanctuary for wildlife, primarily for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Land management programs are designed and administered to promote migratory bird, fish, and resident wildlife habitat in the Illinois River basin, while providing for increased public recreation opportunities.
When acquisition and restoration are complete, the refuge will include a combination of high-quality backwater lakes, bottomland forest, upland forest, prairie, seasonal wetland, and permanent marsh habitat for migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife. As a functioning floodplain wetland complex, the Refuge will play a vital role in perpetuating biological diversity in the Illinois River basin.
