Your National Wildlife Refuge System is made up of over 540 refuges and thousands of small prairie wetland areas throughout the United States and all its territories. They cover more than 93 million acres set aside especially to conserve habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Refuge means a place where there is protection or shelter. When people clear land and drain wetlands to build houses, schools, factories, and roads, they are reducing the space available for birds and other animals to live. Refuges protect natural places from being developed, cleared, polluted, or drained. Since 1903, expanding cities, changes in farm practices, increased pollution, and increased pressure to drain and develop wetlands have made refuges more and more important to the survival of many species. Today, they are home to more than 700 species of birds and more than 800 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, including over 170 threatened or endangered species. More than 55 refuges have been set aside specifically to protect species that are faced with extinction.
Each refuge is beautiful in its own right. Each is a place where wildlife is protected. And many refuges welcome people to enjoy the wonders and mysteries of nature. All it takes is one visit to understand why a refuge is a place that matters - where wild things and their habitats are protected and preserved as part or our natural heritage.
IMPORTANT DATES IN REFUGE HISTORY
1903 - The first National Wildlife Refuge is established at Pelican Island, Florida.
1934 - “Ding” Darling designs the first Duck Stamp. Duck Stamp sales have contributed to the purchase of 4 million acres of wildlife habitat for the Refuge System.
1935-36 - J. Clark Salyer, “father of the Refuge System” criss-crosses the nation, directing the purchase of over 600,000 acres of wetlands, forming over 50 new refuges.
1959 - The first Waterfowl Production Area is purchased near Waubay, South Dakota.
1980 - Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act adds almost 54 million acres to the Refuge System.
1994 - Canaan Valley in West Virginia becomes the 500th National Wildlife Refuge.
1996 - President Clinton issues an Executive Order which clearly defines the mission and guiding principles of the Refuge System; affirming the need to protect biological integrity while enhancing wildlife-dependent visitor uses.
2003 - America celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
