The Official Friends of Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
Big Oaks Conservation Society (BOCS) is the official friends group of Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge!
Here at Big Oaks Conservation Society, we are deeply committed to a single purpose: to help make Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge the best it can be. We are a private, non-profit organization dedicated to finding members and volunteers to support our Refuge and its mission. Join us to help support Indiana's largest National Wildlife Refuge!
About Us
Big Oaks Conservation Society supports the goals of wildlife conservation and habitat restoration at the refuge to:
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Enhance public awareness of the refuge and develop environmental education and support
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Develop public use facilities in cooperation with staff
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Support wildlife conservation and habitat restoration for the continued existence of the refuge
Browse through our website to learn more about Big Oaks NWR and how our friends group is working to achieve these goals.
Refuge News:
Due to public health concerns surrounding COVID-19 the refuge's opening weekend, public use days until further notice, youth turkey hunt workshop, state-drawn spring turkey hunt, take a kid fishing day, lodge cleanup day, and outdoor women events are cancelled. The office is also closed until further notice. Additional updates will be posted as they become available.
Thank you to Ripley County Community Foundation and SEIREMC for their generous grants to help us purchase seating for our events. We were able to buy 120 folding chairs.
Henslow's Sparrows are arriving and singing away!
Stay tuned for more happenings on the refuge!
Our Project Updates:
NEW pollinator restoration project has begun!
Oakdale School House- kiosk coming along!
Kestrel and Blue Bird Boxes are now up! Be sure to keep a look out for the birds while visiting the refuge!
Continue to our projects page for more!
Upcoming Events
Youth Turkey Hunt Workshop
at Big Oaks NWR Office Madison, IN | View Map
To apply to participate in this hunt please send name and address to Big Oaks NWR office. The workshop provides information and regulations about hunting on the refuge. There will be food and prizes for every participant!
Saturday, April 18th, 2020 @ 12:00 PM
Visit the Events Page for a list of all 2020 events!
What makes our refuge unique?
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Globally important bird area featuring large grasslands which provide breeding habitat for the critically endangered Henslow's sparrow
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Significant ecosystem for the state-endangered crawfish frog
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Important monarch and pollinator habitat
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Over 50,000 contiguous acres with historic bridges, homes, schools, and a unique history
Photos by USFWS
