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SPECIAL THANKS

We'd like to extend a special thanks to the following folks who helped us make this project possible:

We'd like to that our funders USDA Rural Development , Tucker Foundation, Tennessee Department of Tourism Development, the Cracker Barrel Foundation, our sponors, and the numerous other private and public donors that made this Web site and it's promotion possible.

MMA Creative
Thanks to Darrell Kerley, Jesse Kaufman, Donna Zec and all the Web site programmers at MMA Creative for nuturing the idea of this project and making it a reality. 

Thank you Randy Williams of the Upper Cumberland Development District for giving this project the Edge, and thanks to all our members and partners who have always participated with the Alliance, and supported our efforts to pursue a more inclusive vision for the region's future.  

 

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Natural Sites Natural Sites

Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge

Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge

The Hiwassee Refuge is operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, which offers seminars and activities throughout the year.  The Observation Platform is full of excellent interpretation about the area’s natural and cultural heritage. The Hiwassee Refuge is located in the Ridge and Valley province adjacent to theCumberland Plateau.  Visitors will note that the scenery is very different from other featured sites on this trail.  However, the site is a favorite stop each fall and late winter for over 50,000 migrating sandhill cranes. These birds make the Hiwassee Refuge their stop from nesting grounds in the north to wintering spots in Florida and Georgia. This is certainly a magnificent sight and a must-see for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The Hiwassee Refuge is also a key site for the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership. In an attempt to restore the world's most endangered crane to the easternUnited States, the Partnership is teaching whooping cranes a migratory path from Wisconsin to Florida by training young birds to follow ultra-light aircraft. Hiwassee Refuge is quickly becoming an important stopover site for eastern whooping cranes, as at least four out of five whooping cranes migrating unassisted in Fall 2002 stopped at the Refuge. In addition, one of the four has decided to stop at Hiwassee and makeEast Tennesseeits winter home.  Other waterbirds and eagles are often viewed from this area.  A spotting scope is recommended in order to successfully see all that this site has to offer. 


For More Information

525 Priddy Ln.
Birchwood, Tennessee 37308

Phone: (931) 484-9571
Website: http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/hiwassee_wildlife_refuge/

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