NWRS - About
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A Hundred Years in the Making
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Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, OR
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Credit: Roy W. Lowe
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A hundred years in the making, the National Wildlife Refuge system is a network
of habitats that benefits wildlife, provides unparalleled outdoor experiences for
all Americans, and protects a healthy environment.
Today, there is at least one wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive of most major
metropolitan area. Find one close to you.
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National wildlife refuges provide habitat for more than 700 species of birds, 220
species of mammals, 250 reptile and amphibian species and more than 1,000 species
of fish. More than 280 threatened or endangered plants or animals are protected
on wildlife refuges. Each year, millions of migrating birds use refuges as stepping
stones while they fly thousands of miles between their summer and winter homes.
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Rufous hummingbird
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Credit: Roy W. Lowe
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Refuge System law enforcement officer Frank Simms IV and dad Frank
Simms III after an elk bow hunt.
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Credit: USFWS
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Refuges welcome more than 45 million visitors each year, who participate in a wide
variety of recreational activities:
Specific events and activities are listed on the
Special Events calendar and on individual refuge Web sites.
The Refuge System is a division of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within the
Department of the Interior
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Last updated:
September 7, 2012
