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Conserving the Nature of America
 You might see curious river otters like these at Missouri’s Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, about 90 miles north of Kansas City, and at many other refuges. Credit: Kenny Bahr
You might see curious river otters like these at Missouri’s Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, about 90 miles north of Kansas City, and at many other refuges. Credit: Kenny Bahr

A Most Wonderful Time of the Year

December 21, 2016

“You can’t get too much winter in the winter,” American poet Robert Frost wrote. That’s not true for everybody, we know, but if you enjoy clean, crisp air and the great outdoors, winter is a special time of year at national wildlife refuges in northern latitudes.
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"I am proud of our on-the-ground conservation actions for monarchs and other pollinators. It is catalyzing massive conservation effort across North America," says Service Director Dan Ashe. Credit: Eileen Hornbaker / USFWS
"I am proud of our on-the-ground conservation actions for monarchs and other pollinators. It is catalyzing massive conservation effort across North America," says Service Director Dan Ashe. Credit: Eileen Hornbaker / USFWS

330,000 Acres Restored or Enhanced for Monarchs; Number Blows Past Goal

December 16, 2016
​The numbers are in for 2016, and they're impressive. The Fish and Wildlife Service worked to restore and enhance more than 330,000 acres in 2016 for monarchs and other pollinators. That exceeds the goal the Department of Interior set for us of restoring or enhancing 320,000 acres of habitat by end of fiscal year 2017.
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Roseate spoonbills at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Credit: Michael Rosenbaum by permission.
Roseate spoonbills at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Credit: Michael Rosenbaum by permission.

National Wildlife Refuges That Charge for Entrance Will Waive Their Fees on Dates in 2017!

December 15, 2016
​Across America, national wildlife refuges offer unparalleled opportunities to experience the great outdoors amid scenic beauty. From Hawaii to Texas and Indiana to Delaware, 31 refuges that normally charge entrance fees will offer free admission on certain days in 2017. Refuges offer world-class recreation, from fishing, hunting and wildlife observation to photography and environmental education. Every state and U.S. territory has at least one national wildlife refuge.
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