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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

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Interest storyBats: “The Coolest Mammals on Earth”
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# Visit Us

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Many national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries offer a range of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors — tourists and locals alike.​

## Plan Your Visit

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### Best Time to Visit

Our sites span all 50 states and five territories. Some places offer things to see and do year-round. Others are season-specific. Time of year often will influence what you can see or do. Dawn and dusk generally are the best times of day to see wildlife.​

### Events

Wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries host numerous conservation-oriented programs, festivals and events throughout the year.

### Fees

Most places are free. A handful charge a nominal entrance fee. Sometimes fees or permits are required for specific activities such as hunting, camping or fishing. 

### Recreate Responsibly

To help ensure that wildlife and people thrive, please recreate responsibly.

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## Ideas for Visitors

Fishing Through the Seasons at Fish Hatcheries

How to Enjoy a Wildlife Refuge

Fall Wonders

## Visit a National Wildlife Refuge

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### Protected Lands and Waters

The Refuge System administers lands and waters across the U.S. and territories, including:
                                    - 570 National Wildlife Refuges
                                    - 38 Wetland Management Districts
                                    - 5 Marine National Monuments
                                    - 63 Refuges with Wilderness Areas

### The Purpose of Refuges

Each refuge is established to serve a statutory purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its land and waters.

### Things to Do and See

Where consistent with their primary purpose, refuges also offer activities for people, such as:
                                    - Hunting and fishing
                                    - Birdwatching and wildlife photography
                                    - Hiking and canoeing
                                    - Scientific research

Find A Refuge    More about Wildlife Refuges

## Outdoor Recreation Activities

Whether you are a novice or an expert, wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries offer many ways to connect with nature. Click on these icons to learn more.​

Hunting

Fishing

Wildlife watching

Photography

Education programs

Ranger-led programs

More Recreational Activities

## Visit a National Fish Hatchery

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### National Fish Hatcheries and You

Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature, or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National fish hatcheries provide many opportunities for you to help your community, fish, and wildlife by doing what you love.  

### The Purpose of Hatcheries 

Seventy fish hatcheries across the nation work with states and Tribes to produce and distribute fish for recreational and conservation purposes and provide refuge for endangered species. The hatcheries also provide outdoor opportunities from fishing events and tours to numerous education activities.  

### Things to Do and See

Nearly one million people visit the National Fish Hatchery System every year for incredible opportunities to hike, bird, fish, visit an aquarium, and learn more about fish conservation. 
                                    - Take part in a fishing derby 
                                    - See a freshwater fish aquarium 
                                    - Explore a nature trail 

Find A Hatchery    More about Fish Hatcheries

## Upcoming Events

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View the upcoming events at our national wildlife refuge and national fish hatchery facilities.

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Third Thursdays at North Tract (April)

Every third Thursday of the month we will be having evening hours at North Tract as our availability allows us to. 

These hours will extend our opening time until sunset. 

Please enjoy North tract from 8AM until sunset on April 18th, 2024.

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Tree Potting Days

Refuge staff are seeking volunteers to assist with potting 5000 trees to be used in habitat restoration projects during the coming year. Participants are asked to wear appropriate clothing (closed toe shoes, long pants) and provide...

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Try Archery! for adults and kids age 8+

Take your first shot at archery and learn a quick overview of the skills required to hit a bullseye! There will be USA Archery-certified instructors to help you with the basics of archery, keeping safety as the top priority. Adults and kids age 8 are welcomed. No registration or equipment...

View all Events

## Ways to Get Involved

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Whether as a visitor to a refuge, a volunteer, a coworker, a formal partner, or more, there's plenty of ways we can work together to conserve and protect our natural resources. Here's just a few...

### Learning Opportunities

We offer many types of learning opportunities including formal and informal training. Some of the education we offer includes job training, career enhancement training, education for environmental or technical professionals, and students.

### Youth Programs

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) enjoys a proud history working with a range of youth organizations to help young people develop academic, leadership, and citizenship skills.

### Partnerships

The Fish and Wildlife Service enters into agreements with a wide range of organizations at the national, regional and local levels.

### Volunteering Opportunities

We have lots of ways to help out, for the short term or long, on the ground or in the office. We truly value our volunteer colleagues.

Get Involved

Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

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