Wheeler National Wild Life Refuge at Visitor Center

• National Wildlife Refuge System

  The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of United States lands and waters managed specifically for wildlife. 

  Units of the system stretch across the continent from the icy north shores of Alaska to the balmy Florida Keys and beyond to tropical islands in the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

  
  

  
  

  "Born of Necessity...Managed with Care"

  
  

  U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service
  The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for protecting and conserving our country's wild birds, mammals, and fish for the enjoyment of all people. Cooperating with the states and other countries, the Fish and Wildlife Service carries out several programs to preserve our priceless wildlife heritage.
  
  
  Refuges
  Migratory Birds
  Fisheries 
  Federal Aid 
  Law Enforcement
  Ecological Services
  
  U. S. Department of the Interior

  
  

  Wheeler National Wild Life Refuge 
  Established in 1938, Wheeler Wild Life Refuge protects and manages 35,000 acres of wetlands and forests for wildlife and provides a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors.
  
  Waterfowl and wildlife
  Each fall, thousands of migratory waterfowl, including 26 species of ducks and four species of geese, arrive at the refuge to overwinter. Sandhill cranes, numbering in the thousands, also winter here.
  
  More than 500 species of wildlife, including songbirds, wading birds, hawks, deer, turtles, and snakes, inhabit the refuge. Twelve of these species are federally listed as threatened or endangered.
  
  Habitat
  Wheeler Wild Life Refuge is comprised of diverse habitat types, including bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, pine uplands, shoreline or riparian woodlands, agricultural fields, and backwater embayments. These habitats provide excellent feeding, resting, and roosting sites for wintering waterfowl and Sandhill cranes, as well as nesting sites for migratory songbirds and many species of resident wildlife.
  
  Wildlife Management
  Several thousand acres of cropland are cultivated by local farmers on a share agreement. During harvest, a portion of the crop is left in the field as a food source for waterfowl and other wildlife. Each fall, the refuge provides green browse for wintering geese by planting wheat.
  
  Water control structures are used in wet areas to change water levels in a controlled manner. This type of management provides food for waterfowl by encouraging the growth of native plants in moist areas.
  
  Refuge Lands Within Redstone Arsenal
  Highways
  Secondary Roads
  Refuge Boundary
  Visitor Center
  Wildlife Observation
  Boating
  Flint Creek Environmental Area & Universally Accessible Fishing Pier
  
  Recreational Opportunity
  The Visitor Center offers wildlife exhibits, a gift shop, a large auditorium, two walking trails, special events, and refuge information.
  
  The Wildlife Observation Building, located a short walk from the Visitor Center, offers a unique setting for viewing wildlife. December through February, when large concentrations of waterfowl and Sandhill cranes are in the area, is a good time for viewing, especially just before sunset.
  
  Fishing is a very popular activity on the refuge. Six improved boat launch areas provide access to miles of water in Wheeler Reservoir and adjacent creeks where bass, crappie, bream, and catfish are often caught.
  
  Hunting for deer, squirrel, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, feral hog, and quail is allowed on Wheeler NWR. Special regulations apply, and a refuge hunting permit is required. Waterfowl hunting is not permitted on the refuge.
  
  Wildlife Photography is encouraged on the refuge. There is one fully enclosed, permanent bend near the observation pond that may be reserved for a special use permit.
  
  Environmental Education/Interpretation is a very important program at Wheeler NWR. Organized groups may reserve dates for presentations, wildlife tours, and outdoor classroom activities.
  
  Nature Trails, ranging in lengths from 200 yards to 3 miles, provide opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife. Maps and additional information may be obtained at the Visitor Center.
  
  The Visitor Center is open daily, October through February, 9AM-5PM. From March through September, the hours are 9-4PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday
  Phone:256-350-6639
  Website: www.fws.gov/wheeler