Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Indiana, United States
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge is a federal wildlife refuge spread across parts of Ripley, Jefferson, and Jennings counties in southeastern Indiana. The land includes woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands that support a wide range of bird and mammal species.
During World War II, this land was used as a military ammunition testing facility, and operations continued there until 1995. In 2000, the site was officially designated as a national wildlife refuge.
The name of the refuge comes from the large oak trees that once shaped this land. Visitors can still see historic structures like Collins Ford Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Before entering the refuge, visitors are required to watch a safety video and fill out a form, as some areas may still contain hazardous materials from past military use. It is a good idea to check in advance which trails and sections are open to the public on any given day.
This refuge holds the largest known population of Henslow's sparrow east of the Mississippi River, a rare grassland bird that is notoriously hard to spot. Birdwatchers travel from far away specifically to catch a glimpse of this species in the open fields.
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