Wednesday, November 9, 2022

A Guide to Our National Wildlife Refuges

Green-winged Teal are among a variety of waterfowl and other exciting birds that can be observed at many national wildlife refuges (photo by Paul Konrad).

A helpful new online guide provides information expressly for birders about some of the finest birding locations in America – spread across the nation in the form of 568 national wildlife refuges. The National Wildlife Refuge System is the largest and most diverse network of lands and waters dedicated to ensuring the long-term future of America’s rich wildlife heritage, including abundant wildlife, clean water, clean air, and world-class recreation that includes rich birding landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife drives.

National wildlife refuges provide important habitat for more than 380 threatened or endangered species, and many refuges also conserve Congressionally designated wilderness areas and a range of historic and cultural resources. You can experience America’s wildlife heritage at a national wildlife refuge near you: At hundreds of wildlife refuges, you can enjoy abundant bird populations for memorable birding experiences that include hiking and photography, and periodically you may be able to attend education programs and birding festivals at refuges.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service partners with community groups across the country to achieve conservation goals while meeting local interests and contributing to local economic opportunities. Many birders join other interested people by volunteering at a refuge, joining a Friends [of a refuge] organization, or by getting involved with the refuge system’s many conservation partners. The Urban Wildlife Conservation Program offers a broad and innovative model for community-centered wildlife conservation in times of changing demographics and increasing conservation concerns. The main goal of the program is to positively impact wildlife and people.

To learn more about birding opportunities at refuges near you, or in areas you plan to visit soon, see Birding | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov) and to learn more about our remarkable National Wildlife Refuge System, see A Beginner’s Guide to the National Wildlife Refuge System | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)