Friends Group members, as well as volunteers work on the Rice Lake Overlook, Crane Meadows NWR. - Courtesy photo by Friends member Marilyn Emerson

A new overlook has been constructed to enhance visitor use of Crane Meadows NWR and to achieve a better view of Rice Lake.  

The idea was brought up last year at one of the Friends of Crane Meadows board meetings.  Their objective was to enhance opportunities for visitor use and education on the Refuge.  

The platform has an expanded middle section for teaching/educational purposes.  FWS personnel challenged the Group to initiate the project and locate co-sponsors who will help defray costs. 

The FWS matched their efforts by purchasing a spotting scope which will sit on top of the structure.  The overlook was constructed in September 2007