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Emiquon
National Wildlife Refuge		 male wood duck on the water
Route 97/78
Havana, IL   62644
E-mail: emiquon@fws.gov
Phone Number: 309-535-2290
Visit the Refuge's Web Site:
http://midwest.fws.gov/illinoisriver/emq.html		 Waterfowl such as wood ducks feed and rest at the refuge during migration.
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  Overview
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge
Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge was established December 29, 1993, with the purchase of its first 284 acres. About 2,200 acres have been acquired to date. 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. When complete, it will contain 11,122 acres.

Historically, two backwater lakes, Thompson (1,800 acres) and Flag (1,000 acres), provided excellent habitat for migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife. The Fulton and Mason County area's ability to support an abundance of fish and wildlife and the popularity of traditional outdoor activities once made the area the tourism capital of Illinois.

When restored, Emiquon will provide quality backwater lake, bottomland forest, upland forest, prairie, seasonal wetland, and marsh habitat for migratory birds, fish, and resident wildlife.

Emiquon Refuge is part of the Illinois River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, with headquarters at Chautauqua Refuge, in Havana, Illinois.


Getting There . . .
Emiquon Refuge is located at the confluence of the Spoon and Illinois rivers in Fulton County, Illinois. Situated just west of Havana, Illinois, on Route 97/78, the refuge is accessible by State Highway 24 from Peoria or Lewistown, and State Highway 136 from Havana, Illinois.

Get Google map and directions to this refuge/WMD from a specified address:

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These driving directions are provided as a general guide only. No representation is made or warranty given as to their content, road conditions or route usability or expeditiousness. User assumes all risk of use.

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Wildlife and Habitat
Approximately 95 percent of land within the Emiquon Refuge acquisition boundary is cropland, which will require restoration to the historic wetlands and associated habitat.

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History
The richness of archeological sites near the confluence of the Spoon and Illinois rivers indicates the historic biological diversity and productivity of the area.

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    Recreation and Education Opportunities
Environmental Education
Fishing
Hunting
Interpretation
Photography
Wildlife Observation
 Learn More >>

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Managment Activities

Since its establishment in 1993, the major habitat management efforts on Emiquon Refuge have been the restoration of the historic floodplain and associated wildlife communities. Through restoration of altered habitats and protection of existing areas, Emiquon Refuge will be managed to provide the diversity of native plant and animal communities found in this area prior to drainage and conversion to cropland.