The Division of Visitor Services and Communications oversees all activities related to visitor services, outreach, and cultural resources on national wildlife refuges throughout the 13-state Northeast Region.  Division staff provide technical assistance to refuge field stations and support field station efforts involving recreational activities, publications, Friends and volunteer activities, youth programs, visitor services-related planning, exhibit development, and museum property management.

There are 71 national wildlife refuges located within the Northeast Region, 62 of which are open to visits by the public.  In 2006, approximately 6 million people visited these refuges from Maine to Virginia. Refuges offer opportunities for wildlife observation, photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education, and interpretation.  Special events, programs, and guided walks and tours are offered to the public at many sites throughout the year. 

For those interested in supporting the National Wildlife Refuge System, most refuges offer volunteer opportunities.  Work ranging from providing visitor assistance and exhibit development to conducting wildlife inventories and habitat management are available. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service depends on the support of volunteers to carry out its mission. In 2005, 6,400 volunteers donated nearly 276,000 hours of support to refuges regionwide.

Visitors are encouraged to review refuge hours and regulations prior to visiting any national wildlife refuge.