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Calendar of Events/Press Releases
Watch this space for more information about the following events:
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Visitor Contact Station
Visitors can view displays, obtain brochures and talk with personnel at the refuge headquarters/visitor contact station. Normal operating hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday – please call in advance to verify. Headquarters is located off Route 198E on Wood Duck Lane, 3/4 mile east of Guys Mills and 10 miles east of Meadville. |
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Outdoor Facilities
Facilities are open daily, 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted. |
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Discover Erie
Many resources are available for visitors to use while exploring the nooks and crannies of Erie National Wildlife Refuge. For educators and families, the “Discovery Kits” and “Discovery Packs” provide a wealth of information all-in-one.
Educator Discovery Kits – Resource kits on Wetlands, Forests, and Migratory Birds can be borrowed for up to 3 weeks. Kits help youth leaders and teachers with suggested activities, props and materials, worksheets, and lesson plans. Discovery Kits can be used in the classroom or on the refuge. Groups can be scheduled to visit the refuge for teacher-led activities. Contact the headquarters for reservations.
Family Discovery Packs – Backpacks filled with binoculars, guide books, and trail activities increase learning opportunities and can be borrowed for daily use.
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Indoor Bird Observation Area
A special viewing area, including seating, binoculars and bird identification materials, has been set aside in the visitor center to assist birding enthusiasts in viewing and identifying birds attracted to feeding stations installed outside from the viewing area. Microphones have been placed under two of the stations so that visitors can also enjoy hearing and identifying bird vocalizations from inside the building. |
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Beaver Run Trail – Sugar Lake Division
Two half-mile long paths (a loop and a spur) wind through natural surroundings where visitors can observe a variety of plant and animal life. Trail is located on Hanks Road. |
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Tsuga Nature Trail – Sugar Lake Division
This two-loop trail follows a 1.2 or 1.6 mile route through a variety of habitats. A boardwalk traverses a beaver pond. During winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted. Trail is located near headquarters/visitor contact station. |
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Deer Run Trail – Sugar Lake Division
A 3-mile trail of diverse landscapes through woods and fields taking visitors along Pool 9 for waterfowl viewing. A universally accessible spur has been added that leads to an observation deck overlooking the pool. Permanent viewing binoculars and seating under roof available. Trail is located on Boland/Ritchie Road accessible from both Routes 27 and 173. |
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Observation Blind – Sugar Lake Division
An ideal spot to observe and photograph wildlife. Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife. A short path leads to the blind which overlooks Reitz's Pond. Blind is located on Boland/Ritchie Road. |
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Deer Run Overlook – Sugar Lake Division
Sit quietly. Use binoculars or a long lens for a closer look. Eagles can often be observed flying overhead from this high point above the 130-acre Pool 9. Deer Run Overlook is located on Allen Road. |
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Wooded Drive – Sugar Lake Division
Cars make good observation blinds. Drive slowly, stopping to scan places wildlife might hide. This section of gravel township road is especially scenic and a good spot to observe white-tailed deer, turkey and other wildlife. |
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Sandstone Springhouse – Sugar Lake Division
Milk, eggs, cheese and vegetables were kept cool here long before refrigerators. Located on Hanks Road. |
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Muddy Creek Holly Trail – Seneca Division
A boardwalk trail (not a loop) traverses from Johnstown Road to Muddy Creek through beautiful wooded habitat. Excellent walk to view wildflowers. Trail is located on Johnstown Road. |
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Trolley Line Trail – Seneca Division
Follow an old railroad grade on the Seneca Division. Wildflowers and historic bridge foundations are highlights of this primitive trail. Watch your step as you travail the ravines with rope rails/pulls. Parking areas can be found at both ends Route 408 and Swamp Road (not a loop). |
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Hunting and Fishing
A universally accessible fishing pier is located at Pool K. Regulations are available from staff at the visitor contact station, in boxes located throughout the refuge, or by clicking the links below:
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Refuge Hunt Permits Required
Obtain your free hunt permit at the the refuge office. Normal operating hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday – please call in advance to verify. Hunters must also complete a harvest report by June 30. Download and print a pdf copy of the harvest report here. (11 KB pdf file)
Contact headquarters for information, or  download a press release (90 KB Adobe pdf file).
You will need Adobe Reader software to open the documents above. If you do not have this software, you may obtain it free of charge by following the link above.
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Passes for Entry to Federal Lands are available at Erie National Wildlife Refuge
Interagency Annual, Senior and Access Passes are available.
Normal operating hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday – please call in advance to verify. |
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Federal Duck Stamps are required for migratory bird hunting, sell for $15.00 and are available for purchase at the refuge headquarters. Please call in advance.
Federal Junior Duck Stamps are collectors items with proceeds supporting the Junior Duck Stamp Design Program. They sell for $5.00 and may be purchased online. |
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