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Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge: A Haven for Wildlife and Birdwatchers

Explore diverse habitats, observe migratory birds, and discover the natural beauty of this Alabama-Georgia refuge on Lake Eufaula.

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Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1964, is an 11,184-acre sanctuary straddling the Chattahoochee River along the Alabama-Georgia border [3, 5, 8]. It's a diverse habitat of wetlands, woodlands, croplands and grasslands, offering refuge to migratory waterfowl, wading birds, and various animal species [3, 4, 5].

A brief summary to Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during migration seasons.
  • Check the refuge's website for seasonal closures and hunting schedules before visiting [4, 9].
  • Be aware of potential hazards such as poisonous snakes, mosquitoes, and horse-flies [9].
  • Consider visiting the Bradley Unit for prime wading bird viewing, especially from late March to early July [11].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is located approximately 8 miles north of Eufaula, Alabama [9, 13]. From Eufaula, take US Highway 431 North for about 7 miles [9, 15]. Turn right (east) onto Alabama Highway 165 and continue for about 2 miles; the refuge entrance will be on your right [9]. Parking is available at the headquarters and along the auto tour route [4]. Be mindful of blocking gates or access roads [4]. There are no fees for accessing the refuge [2].

  • Public Transport

    While there isn't direct public transportation to the refuge, the Eufaula Barbour Transit Authority (EBTA) provides demand-response service within the city of Eufaula [10, 12, 14]. You can schedule a ride to a point in Eufaula, and then use a taxi or rideshare service to reach the refuge headquarters. EBTA requires 24-hour advance notice for scheduling [17, 18]. A one-way fare is $2, and a round trip is $4 [17]. Uber is available in Eufaula [24]. Taxi services are also available [25]. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for a taxi or rideshare from Eufaula to the refuge headquarters.

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Discover more about Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge

Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), created in 1964, lies on both banks of the Chattahoochee River, encompassing parts of Alabama and Georgia [3, 5, 8]. The refuge is named after the nearby city of Eufaula [5, 7]. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cooperated in establishing the refuge, which manages the Walter F. George Lock and Dam and most of Lake Eufaula [3]. Prior to European settlement, the Chattahoochee Valley was home to the Creek Indians, who hunted, fished, and settled along the river [5, 7, 8]. Later, settlers cleared forests for agriculture [5, 8]. After World War II, reforestation efforts led to pine plantations. In 1963, the Corps of Engineers impounded the Chattahoochee River, creating Lake Eufaula [8]. Local residents then sought to establish a refuge for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, resulting in the Eufaula NWR in 1964 [4, 5, 8]. The refuge's diverse habitats support nearly 300 bird species, 40 mammal species, and numerous amphibians, reptiles, and fish [4]. It serves as a vital resting and nesting area for neotropical migrant birds [5, 7]. Visitors can explore a seven-mile auto tour route, observation towers, and walking trails [2, 3, 21]. Hunting and fishing are permitted in designated areas, subject to state and federal regulations [2, 9]. The refuge also provides habitat for endangered and threatened species like the wood stork [3, 5, 7].

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