The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is encouraging the public to visit a national wildlife refuge during National Wildlife Refuge Week 2013 (October 13-19). A number of refuges will offer special events during National Wildlife Refuge Week.
“From the Everglades in Florida to the wilderness of northern Alaska, our national wildlife refuges include many of America’s most treasured landscapes,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “National Wildlife Refuge Week is a great time to discover these untamed lands: to hike, to fish, to kayak, or to simply enjoy wild places and wild creatures. I encourage all Americans to visit a refuge in their state, especially those with children who have an opportunity to open up young eyes and hearts to the wonders of the great outdoors.”
More than 45 million people visit a refuge each year, with refuge visitors reporting high satisfaction, according to a 2012 study by the U.S. Geological Survey.
The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses more than 150 million acres in 561 refuges and 38 wetland management districts. Every state has at least one national wildlife refuge. There is a national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
In addition to serving as important habitats for fish and wildlife, national wildlife refuges contain public areas for fishing, hunting, boating, wildlife observation, and other activities.
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service