Report Interesting Sightings!Did you see an otter, or an eagle? Share the sighting and location with others, so they can share in the fun, too. CONTACT US to let us know!
Visit The Refuge!Interactive maps and PDF versions are available on our VISIT page!
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About the Friends...Over the years, small groups of Refuge supporters have worked on projects such as building trails, surveying wildlife and eradicating invasive species. As the numbers of volunteers grew, so did the desire to do more…for both the Refuge and our communities.
In 2009, a group of these dedicated volunteers teamed with the Conservation Law Center at Indiana University and decided to incorporate as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area. The Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge was born! In 2010 the group received tax exempt status as a 501(c)3 public charity. Today, the Friends are still building trails and fighting invasive species on the Refuge, but they're also planning for the future. You're seeing more of the Friends out in the Community: offering programs and activities, and educating the public about this special place and what it has to offer. We hope you'll come out to a program or join us for a work session. We're always looking for a few more Friends! Interior Least Terns - June 15Join Chuck Mills for a visit to the largest Interior Least Tern nesting colony in Indiana. Chuck has been the Indiana Interior Least Tern biologist for 25 years.
Least Terns commonly nest on river islands and sandbars. They are considered endangered nationwide, and were first found nesting in Indiana in 1986. From that single pair, the population has risen to around 300 individuals. They were first found nesting on the splitter dike of the Duke Energy power plant lake in western Gibson County. Last year, they nested on the splitter dike and at Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area just to the south of the 3,000-acre Gibson Lake. They also nested at Goose Pond State Fish and Wildlife Area and the AEP power plant near Rockport. Chuck will be leading a tour to the Cane Ridge colony which has the best location in the Midwest for observing nesting and foraging Interior Least Terns. There should be excellent opportunities for both observing and photographing the birds. The event will begin at 8:00 am CDT on June 15 at the observation platform at Cane Ridge. This area is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service out of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge office. From Princeton, IN, travel 5 miles west on SR 64. Turn south off SR 64 onto SR 65 and travel about 1.3 miles. Turn west on the gravel Levee Road. Travel 2.25 miles on the Levee Road. Turn south at the “t” onto CR 850 W, then take an immediate west turn on CR 75 S. Follow CR 75 S 2.25 miles to Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area. |
What's Happening?Check our HAPPENINGS page to learn more about what's going on at Patoka River NWR!
2019 Board of DirectorsDoug Brown
Lewis Cline, Vice President Nancy Gehlhausen, President Tony Greenwell David Howell Arnie Howes Holly Hume Levi Hume Julie Loehr, Secretary Bill McCoy Steve Nelson, Treasurer Preston Richardt Richard Vernier Vicky Whitaker Ron Young 
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Who are the Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge?
The Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge are neighbors, visitors, families, and individuals...people just like you who enjoy being outdoors and are curious about our natural world...people who value having open spaces and natural habitats for native plants, wildlife, and people!