National Refuge Week
Updated September 28, 2026
Rediscover Nature at a National Wildlife Refuge.
National Wildlife Refuge Week, observed the second full week of October each year, celebrates the great network of lands and waters that conserves and protects Americans’ precious wildlife heritage.
National Refuge Week 2026: October 10-17
Visit a refuge and celebrate with us!
In recognition of the first Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week, all national wildlife refuges and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands that normally charge an entrance fee offer free admission October 11, 2026.
Why Refuges Are Important
The Refuge System includes 570 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts covering 95 million acres of land.
Species Conservation
The National Wildlife Refuge System provides vital habitat for thousands of native species, including sandhill cranes, American alligators, bison and sea turtles.
Recreation
Refuge Week is a perfect time to see why tens of millions of Americans visit refuges each year to enjoy fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife watching.
Environmental Protection
Wildlife refuges add to Americans’ comfort and safety by curbing flood risk and wildfire damage, providing cleaner air and water, and supporting local communities.
Job Creation
In carrying out the Refuge System’s wildlife conservation mission under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, wildlife refuges pump $3.2 billion per year into regional economies and support more than 41,000 jobs.