Midwest Region Conserving the nature of America

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The Midwest Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Find a location near you.

The Midwest Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. Find a location near you and plan your visit today »

Conserving the Nature of America

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The United States’ oldest operating federal fish hatchery turns 130!

The porch at Neosho National Fish Hatchery visitor center is an inviting place to relax. Photo by Bruce Hallman/USFWS.
The porch at Neosho National Fish Hatchery visitor center is an inviting place to relax. Photo by Bruce Hallman/USFWS.

Neosho National Fish Hatchery just turned 130 years old and we are celebrating the history of the hatchery. Established in 1888 in southwest Missouri, Neosho is the oldest operating federal fish hatchery in the United States. The hatchery has played a major role in the restoration efforts of endangered aquatic species such as paddlefish, lake sturgeon, Topeka shiners and pallid sturgeon, as well as conservation of the Ozark cavefish.

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Weekly Wrap-up: August 3 - 9, 2018

Wildlife collage. Individual photo captions and credits within story.
Wildlife collage. Individual photo captions and credits within story.

Check out our best stories from around the web and social media. This week features little skinks, silent flight, bright blackbirds and more!

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Working with partners to restore lake sturgeon to the Ontonagon River

A young lake sturgeon that was reared in a streamside rearing trailer on the Ontonagon River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Photo by USFWS.
A young lake sturgeon. Photo by USFWS.

Once an abundant resource, the Ontonagon River lake sturgeon population is now the focus of an exciting multi-agency restoration effort. We're partnering with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Ottawa National Forest, Upper Peninsula Power Company, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and U.S. Geological Survey to help bring these magnificent fish back to the river.

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Weekly Wrap-up: July 27 - August 2, 2018

Wildlife collage. Individual photo captions and credits within story.
Wildlife collage. Individual photo captions and credits within story.

Check out our best stories from around the web and social media. This week features vibrant grosbeaks, hardy cacti, firefly facts and more!

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Riverine sanctuary celebrates 60 years of conservation

Muscatine Slough at Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Jessica Bolser/USFWS.
Muscatine Slough at Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Jessica Bolser/USFWS.

Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge is turning 60 this week! Bordering Iowa and Illinois, this river refuge was established in 1958 to provide habitat for migratory birds along the Mississippi flyway. Stopover habitat is essential for providing waterfowl places to rest and refuel. We invite you to join us and learn what makes this refuge so special.

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Last updated: August 16, 2018