There is still time to visit a refuge near you during National Wildlife Refuge Week (Canvasbacks photographed by Paul Konrad).

Midway through National Wildlife Refuge Week, which continues through Saturday October 17, we want to remind you to think about what important public lands each of the 568 refuges are as they provide vital habitat for hundreds of native bird species and a wealth of other wildlife while providing excellent birding opportunities for all of us. If you haven’t already stopped in to your favorite refuge this week, plan a visit soon; and consider sending the refuge staff a note of appreciation for all the important work they do.

We Americans are lucky to have such a remarkable National Wildlife Refuge System, so be sure to support local refuges and refuges on a national scale whenever possible – and enjoy all the birds you see each time your visit a refuge! Many refuges have planned events during this special week listed at https://www.fws.gov/refuges/events/National-Wildlife-Refuge-Week.html but also check for any events at your nearest wildlife refuge at https://www.fws.gov/refuges/find-a-wildlife-refuge/?method=zipcode

To learn more about the National Wildlife Refuge System, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuges/