Great River
Phone: 573-847-2333
The Great River National Wildlife Refuge protects approximately 11,600 acres along 120 miles of the Mississippi River, stretching north of St. Louis, Missouri. Three separate units are located in the floodplain, on both the Illinois and Missouri sides of the river. The Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge is also under the administration of the Great River Refuge. Great River Refuge, in turn, is part of the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge complex.
The Mississippi River corridor is one of the most important migratory bird corridors in North America. Because many habitats along the river have been lost or heavily degraded, refuge units are essential in providing links of high-quality habitat for many species of migratory birds, including shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl. As many as 70 to 80 percent of the ducks and geese migrating along this portion of the river are found on refuge units. In 1998, the Great River Refuge was designated as a globally important bird area. The refuge's proximity to St. Louis provides excellent educational opportunities to a large population.
The 1,700-acre Delair Division is protected from the river by a levee and includes marsh, open water, forest, and cropland. The Long Island Division is a 6,700-acre island complex in the river and contains some of the last remaining large contiguous stands of bottomland hardwoods in the area. This area is very important to migrant and resident bird species. The 2,100-acre Fox Island Division floods periodically and is important to waterfowl, numerous marsh and waterbirds, and songbirds.
The Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex includes Port Louisa, Two Rivers, Great River, Clarence Cannon, and Middle Mississippi River refuges. The complex headquarters is in Quincy, Illinois.
Directions
The headquarters for the Great River Refuge is located on the Clarence Cannon Refuge. From St. Louis, take I-70 west and take exit Highway 79 north. Take 79 north approximately 35 miles to the town of Annada. Turn right on County Road 206 and proceed one mile to the refuge office.
More info at http://midwest.fws.gov/greatriver
National River
Exploring Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (Book) by Todd Campbell and Kym Campbell
This guide book is an intro to the best of this lesser-known recreational gem. Most of the book consists of hiking trails, many of which also are open to mountain bikers and equestrians. A small portion of the book tells of some river trips. 340 pages.
Merchant: Online Sports
Hiking the Big South Fork
Sale Price: $10.65*
Retail: $14.95 (29% off!)
(Overstock Books)
Now in its third edition, Hiking the Big South Fork is packed with up-to-date information on the trails of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee and Kentucky. The book combines numerous details about the natural histor...
Merchant: Overstock Books
Falcon Exploring Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Sale Price: $15.26*
Retail: $16.95 (10% off!)
(Overstock Books)
Description not available. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.
Merchant: Overstock Books
National Emblems Pittsburgh Pirates Logo Patch - Pittsburgh Pirates Three River Stadium
Patch up your shirt, jacket, or bag with this embroidered Pittsburgh Pirates emblem commemorating Three Rivers Stadium. Now you can support your team anywhere at any time and always look great doing it!
Merchant: CBS Sports Store