Each October, National Wildlife Refuge Week highlights the network of public lands and waters managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the National Wildlife Refuge System. This year, events are scheduled from October 9-15, beginning with Urban Wildlife Conservation Day on October 8.
The National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses over 560 national wildlife refuges, monuments, and conservation areas across the United States. These areas aim to protect iconic species while offering recreational activities such as wildlife viewing, photography, fishing, hunting, and ranger-led nature programs.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, "These lands and waters serve a purpose distinct from that of any other public lands." The focus is on wildlife conservation which guides both recreational activities offered and resource management tools used.
Some notable refuges include Bosque del Apache in New Mexico where visitors can witness flocks of sandhill cranes and snow geese; Moosehorn in Maine known for its vibrant fall foliage; Rocky Mountain Arsenal in Colorado where bison roam; Kodiak in Alaska home to sockeye salmon; Modoc in California ideal for wildlife watching at dawn or dusk; and Minnesota Valley near Minneapolis with diverse habitats attracting various bird species.
The history of national wildlife refuges dates back to 1903 when President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida's Pelican Island as the first refuge. Today there are 568 national wildlife refuges along with 38 wetland management districts covering millions of acres across different habitats contributing significantly to local economies.
National wildlife refuges provide essential homes for numerous species while offering outdoor adventures like fishing, hunting, hiking, nature watching, photography, and environmental education. They also help mitigate storm impacts and flooding effects while boosting local economies. With at least one refuge located in every state and U.S. territory visiting these sites is accessible for many Americans who can appreciate their value even if they cannot visit them directly.
