Fish and Wildlife Service, Illinois.
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge was authorized on June 26, 1990 under the Emergency Wetland Resources Act of 1986. The refuge will eventually encompass 35,000 acres. Management emphasis is placed on acquiring land, restoring habitat and providing opportunities for the public to experience and learn about the Cache River Wetlands. Major habitats on the refuge include bottomland hardwood forest, cypress tupelo swamp, herbaceous wetlands, deep water habitats and canebrakes. Due to the ecological significance of this region, the wetlands on the refuge were designated a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance.
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southernmost portion of Illinois, with lands located in Union, Pulaski, Alexander, and Johnson counties. Take Interstate 57, and exit at #18, Shawnee College Road. Travel approximately 7.1 miles east to the refuge office located on the Shawnee College Rustic Campus, Building D. The refuge is approximately 22 miles north of Cairo, Illinois, and 35 miles south of Carbondale, Illinois.