Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Stewart County, Tennessee, United States |
| Nearest city | Dover, Tennessee |
| Area | 8,862 acres (35.86 km2) |
| Established | 1962 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge |
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Stewart County, Tennessee. It's like a safe home for many animals and plants. This refuge is part of a bigger system of protected areas across the United States.
It covers about 8,862 acres (3,586 km2) of land. Much of this land is made up of wetlands, which are areas where the land is covered by water, like swamps or marshes. The refuge is located along Lake Barkley, which is a part of the Cumberland River. It's near the town of Dover.
Cross Creeks is important because it provides a safe habitat (a natural home) for many kinds of waterfowl (birds that live near water) and aquatic plants. As of 2006, it was the only National Wildlife Refuge found entirely in Middle Tennessee.
Contents
What is a National Wildlife Refuge?
Protecting Wildlife and Nature
A National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area of land and water. The main goal of these refuges is to protect wildlife and their natural homes. They are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
These refuges help make sure that animals have safe places to live, eat, and raise their young. They also help protect different types of plants. This way, nature can thrive for future generations to enjoy.
Where is Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge?
Location in Tennessee
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is located in Stewart County, Tennessee. This county is in the northern part of the state. The refuge is very close to the town of Dover, Tennessee.
The refuge sits along the shores of Lake Barkley. This lake was formed by damming the Cumberland River. The river and lake provide important water sources for the animals and plants in the refuge.
Why are Wetlands Important?
A Home for Many Species
A large part of Cross Creeks is made up of wetlands. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present near the surface, for all or parts of the year. They are very important ecosystems.
Wetlands act like natural filters, cleaning the water. They also help control floods. Most importantly, they provide a home for a huge variety of wildlife. Many birds, fish, insects, and plants depend on wetlands to survive.
Animals at Cross Creeks
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge is especially important for waterfowl. These are birds like ducks, geese, and swans. They use the refuge for nesting, feeding, and resting during their long migrations.
Besides waterfowl, many other animals live here. You might find different kinds of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The refuge's diverse habitats support a wide range of creatures.
History of Cross Creeks Refuge
Established in 1962
Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge was officially established in 1962. This means it has been protecting wildlife for over 60 years. Its creation helped ensure that this important wetland area would be preserved.
The refuge continues to be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They work to keep the habitat healthy and safe for all the plants and animals that call it home.
