Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge

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Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge Clarks River NWR, established in 1998, provides nesting and migration habitat for migratory birds.

Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge is one of only two National Wildlife Refuges managed within the state of Kentucky. Bottomland hardwood forests, found on the refuge, are one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on land, and the rich moist soils from seasonal flooding nourish an explosion of wildlife diversity. Freshwater mussels, amphibians, fish, and mammals are all found in abundance here, and migratory songbirds and waterfowl take advantage of this rich habitat on their long flights from nesting to wintering grounds. This diversity and abundance of wildlife provides ample hunting, fishing, and other recreational opportunities. Clarks River NWR protects, manages, and enhances this ecosystem and healthy and viable populations of wildlife found here through habitat and wildlife management, environmental education, and cooperative partnerships with conservation agencies and landowners.

Luna and Marvin hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween! photo: Generated image of an owl and box turtle trick o...
31/10/2026

Luna and Marvin hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!



photo: Generated image of an owl and box turtle trick or treating in costumes.

A feathered ghost in the fall forest. 👻🎃Wading birds are most frequently seen walking through shallow water to find food...
29/10/2026

A feathered ghost in the fall forest. 👻🎃

Wading birds are most frequently seen walking through shallow water to find food. However, they also frequently perch in trees and on other elevated surfaces as part of their daily routine.



photo: White wading bird in a tree over a wetland.
📸 Tony Black/USFWS

October is the time of year for spooky things as Halloween approaches, and we think invasive species are one of the spoo...
28/10/2026

October is the time of year for spooky things as Halloween approaches, and we think invasive species are one of the spookier things outdoors. Today let’s look at Bradford Pear.

🪴Description: Oval or heart-shaped leaves with small teeth on the edges are shiny green on top and dull green on the bottom, turning reddish-purple in the fall. Overall shape of the tree is gumdrop. In the spring it has a distinct, rancid smell emanating from the bundles of white flowers.

‼️Threat: The highly problematic Bradford pear tree is well-known for its uncontrollable spread, crowding out native plants as it propagates to open fields and woodland edges. This tree provides no food for wildlife.

✅Control: Simply cutting the tree alone will lead to vigorous sprouting from the stump and roots. Therefore, stump grinding or chemical treatment is recommended.

🌻Similar Plants that are Good: Serviceberry is native tree with a rounded canopy and produces white spring flowers. Its spring display and overall shape can resemble Bradford pear, but it produces fruit and has different leaf texture.



photo: Bradford Pear trees in bloom.
📸 Adobe Stock

Did you happen to catch the full Hunter's Moon? It was late the night of October 25 and early morning of the 26th, so if...
27/10/2026

Did you happen to catch the full Hunter's Moon? It was late the night of October 25 and early morning of the 26th, so if you weren't up just enjoy the picture we took of it. 😉

It marked the 11th full moon of the year and the second to occur after the Autumnal Equinox.



photo: Full golden colored moon in a black sky.
📷 Stacey Hayden/USFWS

Deer-licious dining under the sun! Staff captured this young buck enjoying a midday snack yesterday on the refuge. ...
23/10/2026

Deer-licious dining under the sun!

Staff captured this young buck enjoying a midday snack yesterday on the refuge.



Photo: Deer standing in tall grass.
📸 USFWS

October is the time of year for spooky things as Halloween approaches, and we think invasive species are one of the spoo...
21/10/2026

October is the time of year for spooky things as Halloween approaches, and we think invasive species are one of the spookier things outdoors. Today let’s look at Poison Hemlock.

🪴Description: A smooth green stalk with purple streaks or splotches, 3-4 feet tall. Umbrella-shaped clusters of small, white flowers at the end of branches that bloom late spring and through the summer. Triangular-shaped leaves that are fern-like in appearance.

‼️Threat: All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and animals when eaten and can cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. Therefore, this plant is not valuable to wildlife as food or shelter, and the rapid spread of this plant will overwhelm native vegetation.

✅Control: Individual plants can be dug up or cut back before they flower. Never compost the flowers as they can go to seed. Chemical treatment can be used in late fall.

🌻Similar Plants that are Good: Wild Carrot or Queen Ann’s Lace. Has a green hairy stalk. The flower clusters have a dark-purple or red spot (floret) in the middle of the flower cluster (not always present).



photo: Poison Hemlock covered in white blooms.
📸 USFWS

That’s a wrap on another Refuge Week! Thanks to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for making sure the p...
17/10/2026

That’s a wrap on another Refuge Week! Thanks to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for making sure the pond was stocked, and to everyone who came out!

The fish were biting this morning, the chalk art was a hit, and the animal Olympics were fun.

The catfish are hungry this morning too! Photo: Person holding a catfish. 📸 Stacey Hayden/USFWF
17/10/2026

The catfish are hungry this morning too!



Photo: Person holding a catfish.
📸 Stacey Hayden/USFWF

The fish are biting this morning! Come join us to celebrate Refuge Week at the EERA. Photo: Fish on a line.📸 Stacey ...
17/10/2026

The fish are biting this morning! Come join us to celebrate Refuge Week at the EERA.



Photo: Fish on a line.
📸 Stacey Hayden/USFWS

Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with us this morning! We'll be at the Environmental Education and Recreation Are...
17/10/2026

Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with us this morning! We'll be at the Environmental Education and Recreation Area (Hwy 408) from 8 am - 12 pm.

Bring your own bait and tackle or borrow a pole from us. The pond was stocked this week by Kentucky Fish and Wildlife for this event. No refuge fishing permit is required during this event.

We will also have wildlife furs to feel, and chalk art for being creative.



photo: Fishing poles and bobbers.
📸 USFWS

Address

91 US Highway 641 North

42025

Opening Hours

Monday 07:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 07:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 07:00 - 16:00
Thursday 07:00 - 16:00
Friday 07:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+12705275770

Website

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