Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge |
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IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
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 Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
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| Location | Alexander County, Johnson County, Pulaski County, Union County, Illinois, United States |
| Nearest city | Cypress, Illinois |
| Area | 16,000 acres (65 km2) |
| Established | 1990 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge |
| Official name: Cache River and Cypress Creek Wetlands | |
| Designated: | November 1, 1994 |
| Reference #: | 711 |
The Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a special natural area in southern Illinois. It's mostly in Pulaski County, but also reaches into Union, Alexander, and Johnson counties. This refuge was created in 1990 to protect the important wetlands of the Cache River. It covers more than 16,000 acres (65 km2) of land, which is about the size of 12,000 football fields! The goal is to eventually protect even more land, up to 36,000 acres.
Contents
What Makes Cypress Creek Special?
This refuge is home to many different types of natural areas. You can find cypress-tupelo swamps, thick forests, and open prairie grasslands. These different habitats mean that many kinds of plants and animals can live here.
Home to Rare Species
More than 50 types of plants and animals that are either threatened or endangered species live within the refuge. This means they are very rare and need special protection to survive.
Ancient History and Fun Activities
The refuge also has several very old archaeological sites. These sites show where people lived long before European settlers arrived.
Cypress Creek is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy hunting for waterfowl like geese and ducks. You can also hunt for deer, rabbits, squirrels, quail, and doves in most parts of the refuge.
Fishing is allowed in the Cache River, but it can be a bit challenging. The river has faced issues like too much dirt in the water and invasive species like Asian carp. These problems have made it harder for some fish to thrive.
How the Refuge is Managed
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. However, it's also part of a bigger team called the Cache River Wetlands Joint Venture Partnership.
Working Together for Nature
This partnership includes different government groups, non-profit organizations, and even private landowners. They all work together to protect and restore the Cache River area. Their shared goal is to make sure these important wetlands stay healthy for future generations.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
