Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in southeastern Indiana, United States
The 50,000-acre refuge spans across Ripley, Jefferson, and Jennings counties, providing habitats for 200 bird species and 46 mammal species.
The land transformed from Jefferson Proving Ground, a World War II munitions testing facility that operated until 1995, into a wildlife refuge in 2000.
The refuge contains multiple historical structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Collin's Ford Bridge and Old Timbers Lodge.
Visitors must watch a safety video and sign an Acknowledgement of Danger form annually due to the presence of unexploded ordnance in restricted areas.
The refuge maintains the largest population of Henslow's sparrows found east of the Mississippi River within its protected grasslands.
Location: Ripley County
Location: Jefferson County
Location: Jennings County
Inception: 2000
Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/big_oaks
GPS coordinates: 38.95000,-85.40000
Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:43
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