Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge celebrating its 75th anniversary

MARION, Ill. (KFVS) - The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is inviting you to celebrate their 75th anniversary.

To celebrate seven and a half decades since the establishment of the Refuge, there will be a “birthday celebration” on October 8, at the new Refuge Headquarters in Marion, Ill. There will be a highlight of the refuges’ history, as well as an update on the construction of the new visitor center.

The Refuge Birthday was August 5, leaders with the refuge said they wanted to wait until the weather got nicer.

Justin Sexton, the Crab Orchard Wildlife refuge manager says they want to continue to show their support to the local community.

“Been able to try and accomplish some of these different maintenance projects that we are looking to do that’s why you’re seeing some different features. But we hope to continue to do that. That’s part of the celebration, is we’ve been here for 75 years, part of the local community, we want to reaffirm our status as a community partner and engage our community in these activities and this we’ll be a celebration of that,” said Sexton.

Sexton says he looks forward to what the next 75 years will bring.

Activities will include an archery range, kayaking, canoeing, BB shooting range and more.

The festivities are completely free and will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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