The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reminding people that they can rediscover nature at a national wildlife refuge during National Wildlife Refuge Week.
The week is celebrated annually during the second full week of October to bring awareness to the array of lands and waters that safeguards and conserves the country’s treasured wildlife heritage.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services runs the National Wildlife Refuge System with the objective to manage the national network of lands and waters, accounting for roughly 95 million acres, for the conservation, management and, where suitable, renewal of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats throughout the country.
“Refuge Week is a perfect time to see why tens of millions of Americans visit refuges each year to enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife watching,” according to the organization’s website. “Wildlife refuges also add to Americans’ comfort and safety by curbing flood risk and wildfire damage, providing cleaner air and water, and supporting local communities.”
Since the implementation of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, wildlife refuges contribute $3.2 billion per year into local economies and produce over 41,000 jobs.
Events will be held all across the nation and those interested in attending a ceremony can visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services website to find out about local events.
