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Photograph of Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois, by Ned Trovillion/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

One of the best ways to explore habitats, and the plants and animals native to them, is to visit a wildlife refuge near you.

Today, there is at least one wildlife refuge in each of the 50 U.S. states, and a refuge within an hour's drive of every major U.S. city. These give all Americans a fun way to learn more about their natural surroundings.

Home to animals ranging from one-ton bison to half-ounce warblers, the National Wildlife Refuge System contains the wildest classrooms in America. Since President Theodore Roosevelt designated Florida's Pelican Island as the first national wildlife refuge in 1903, this network of protected lands has grown to encompass more than 540 refuges and some 3,000 small waterfowl breeding and nesting areas. All the land within the National Wildlife Refuge System, more than 95 million acres (38 million hectares), is managed with a single goal in mind: protecting the nation's fish and wildlife habitats.

More information about the National Wildlife Refuge System >>

Refuge Locator
Find a refuge near you >>

Video Clip: National Wildlife Refuge System
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Calendar of Events >>

Related Links >>

eNature Park Finder
Find your nearest U.S. national park or wildlife refuge—choose your region under "Parks & Refuges" and go!

Living Bird
Meet the bird of the week, participate in bird-feeding and bird-counting projects, and more.

Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter
Chances are, you see lots of birds every day. Photos, maps, and more help you identify your local feathered friends.

Sanctuary: U.S. National Wildlife Refuges
Explore one of America's best kept secrets: the National Wildlife Refuge System.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Management Offices
Want to find the agency that manages your local fish and wildlife resources? Use this list.

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