This is a photo of Johnson Sauk Trail State Park, outside Kewanee IL.
The NWF (National Wildlife Federation) has listed their top picks for "Top Wildlife Watching Spots" in the United States. I don't always agree with the NWF methods, rationale or statements. I do agree these are definitely Super Bowl level places to visit.
Platte River, Nebraska http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/wildlife/guides
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Montana http://www.fws.gov/cmr
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, Mississippi http://www.fws.gov/yazoo
Puget Sound, Washington http://www.pacificwhalewatch.org/
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming http://www.nps.gov/yell
Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge, New England http://www.fws.gov/r5soc
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan http://www.nps.gov/slbe
Everglades National Park, Florida http://www.nps.gov/ever
Valle Vidal, New Mexico http://www.vallevidal.org/
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/aransas
The NWF picked them not only for their own interests and agendas but they are favorite destinations where visitors can see our nation's wildlife, most North American species.
They are excellent places to take children and grandchildren for an up close education of the beauty of our land. If you're a photographer, there will be awesome possibilities for once-in-a-lifetime pictures.
Most charge little or no admission, some have camping nearby, all have towns and attractions within easy driving. Several are even close enough to provide a weekend mini vacation.
If you are a history enthusiast, these refuges and parks all have interesting stories. Whether it be how it was first settled or used to how the NWF has helped protect and preserve the wildlife and their habitat.
I do think seeing the big picture (literally) of nature's many beauties inspires the average gardener to join in the effort to respect our environment. Our little portion of the world is just as important to us and to the rest of the world.
OK everybody, let's do the Super Bowl Shuffle - and a one - and a two. . .
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