Wheeler Wildlife Refuge
Wheeler NWR, located along the Tennessee River between Huntsville and Decatur, was established in 1938 to provide habitat for wintering and migrating birds. Considered the easternmost Refuge in the Mississippi flyway, this 35,000 acre Refuge attracts thousands of wintering waterfowl each year and supports the southernmost and Alabama's only significant concentration of wintering Southern James Bay Canada geese. It also serves as winter habitat for the State's largest duck population. In addition to migratory birds, the Refuge hosts 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, and 285 different species of songbirds. The Refuge is also home to 10 federally listed endangered or threatened species.
Wheeler NWR is comprised of a great diversity of habitat types such as bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, pine uplands, agricultural fields, and backwater embayments. These habitats provide excellent feeding, loafing, and roosting sites for waterfowl, as well as nesting sites for migrating songbirds. The Refuge provides a much needed oasis in one of the fastest growing regions in the state, with Madison being ranked as one of the top ten fasting growing cities in the nation in 2002.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center
"The Givens Interpretative Center"
The Visitor Center should be the first stop for all groups planning a visit to the Refuge. Activities and programs are available for visiting groups of all descriptions, ages, and sizes. The visit and activities are all free.
The 10,000 square foot Givens Interpretive Center located off Highway 67 east of Decatur offers a variety of displays depicting area wildlife and habitats.
Hours: The Visitor Center and Observation Building are open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (March through September), and seven (7) days each week (October through February) from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Visitor Center's phone number is (256) 350-6639.
Auditorium: A 126 seat auditorium is available with a large screen for projecting DVD's, or VHS videos. The projection system is also compatible for use with a computer. A collection of approximately 40 videos are available for viewing in the auditorium. Topics and length vary.
Education Classrom: A 64-seat classroom with tables, chairs, TV, VCR, DVD, projector and screen is availalble.
Wildlife Observation Building: The Wildlife Observation Building offers a large, glass-enclosed room with bleachers and spotting scopes for viewing waterfowl and wading birds in the observation pond. November-February is the peak time for waterfowl viewing. The building overlooks a Backyard Wildlife Habitat Area complete with a waterfall which is maintained to attract songbirds, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Many species of birds are frequently visible here.
Atkeson Cypress Trail: A 1/2 mile trail that begins with a 330 foot section of boardwalk through a cypress swamp. A variety of wildlife inhabits the area surrounding the trail.
Picnic Area: Three picnic tables (seats 18 comfortably) located behind the visitor center are available for use by classes and other visitors.
Scheduling Classess: We encourage educators to arrange field trips to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Please contact the Refuge Visitor Center at (256) 350-6639 and be prepared to provide the following information: school name, teacher's name, number of students, date of field trip, time of arrival, and which facilities you wish to use. Please call at least two weeks in advance to avoid potential conflicts with other classes.
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