October 10-16, 2010 is National Wildlife Refuge Week. The Refuge System has celebrated National Wildlife Refuge Week during the second week of October since 1996. This year’s National Wildlife Refuge Week is focusing on wilderness lands — the most pristine and undeveloped category of natural lands — particularly those in the 19.3-million-acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is dedicated to the conservation of fish and wildlife and their habitats. The nation’s 552 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts also offer a wide range of wildlife-dependent recreation — from fishing, boating, hunting and hiking to wildlife observation and photography, nature interpretation and environmental education. The Refuge System includes more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails. There is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state and one within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
Photo:
Title: Another great birdwatching day.
Creator: Hillebrand, Steve
Publisher: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Rights: Public Domain
