Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Haskell County, Oklahoma, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge spans over 20,000 acres, largely dominated by wetlands and riparian zones. It was established in 1970 to provide sanctuary for migratory birds and native wildlife amid the Arkansas and Canadian rivers’ floodplain ecological zone. The refuge supports diverse species, notably hosting a winter population of bald eagles and numerous waterfowl species making it a crucial stopover along the Mississippi Flyway. Visitors can explore the refuge through various driving and walking trails, where opportunities for bird watching and photography are abundant. The refuge is named after Sequoyah, the Cherokee chief who invented the Cherokee syllabary, reflecting the area's deep historical roots. Sequoyah's blend of open water, marshlands, and bottomland hardwood forest not only attracts bird watchers but also provides fishing and hunting opportunities in designated areas.