Partners are valuable allies to the the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and play a vital role in meeting the Service's conservation goals. We team up with private conservation organizations, state and federal agencies and tribes. Together, with the landowner, this collective shares funding, materials, equipment, labor and expertise to meet restoration goals and our conservation mission.

Partnership Categories

Great things happen when partners are matched with the right opportunities. That's why we work with many types of partners at FWS from local businesses and conservation groups to veterans and large industry partners. Here are just a few of the Partner Categories working with FWS today.

Academic Institutions

We frequently partner with academia to further the conservation of and research into the stewardship of many species.

Conservation, Science, and Land Management Organizations

We often partner with non-governmental conservation organizations on conservation projects, whether it's to conserve identified species such as the monarch butterfly or to advise on land acquisition for conservation so that it has the greatest benefit for species.

Economic, Tourism, Retail, and Industry

We partner with these groups to help them conduct their commercial activities in a way that best promotes conservation.

Icon /Federal Agencies
Federal Agencies

We work with other federal agencies to help them meet their legal responsibilities as well as their mission.

Friends Groups

Friends groups are organizations of community members committed to helping national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries meet conservation goals that would otherwise be out of reach. 

View Partnership Categories

Our Partners

Here are just a few of our national partners.  You can view the full list of FWS partners, along with the regions and areas of focus our work together entails.

View Full Partner List

Latest Stories About Our Partners

a woman in a blue USFWs uniform smiles while teaching kids about wildlife at an informational table outside
Our Partners
Hispanic Access Foundation fellows support climate, culture and community
Addressing climate change on military installations, connecting with new audiences through art and introducing kids in marginalized communities to the outdoors. This is some of the important work done by Hispanic Access Foundation fellows this year.
Wetlands under a blue sky with clouds
Get Involved
National award comes home to the midwest
The National Wildlife Refuge Association who supports more than 200 organizations, has named their wildlife refuge award winners for 2024 and we could not be more proud to see that Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge were recognized as the Refuge Friends Group of the Year. Take a moment...
Kupu member Matt Reardon removing invasive vines (Mikania micrantha)
Get Involved
Experience Ritidian in a new way!
Get involved!
View from the side of an insect perched on a leaf
Endangered Species Act
Seeking to protect the “Green flash” of insects
A rare species facing threats from sea level rise and light pollution, the Bethany Beach firefly would be the first firefly listed under the ESA.
Creative Juices flowing
For Parents and Educators
Trout Education Day 2024
The Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery joined forces with their partners to give 180 Freshman students from Fannin County High School an education on trout.
birds with orange chests and mottled brown backs on a beach with horseshoe crabs
Habitat Restoration
Shoring up beaches for horseshoe crabs and birds
A project to expand a wildlife beach at Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge helps migratory shorebirds by supporting what they eat.

Partnership Services

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Through our partnerships we are able to expand our capabilities through the inclusion of services in areas such as:

  • Grant opportunities
  • Sponsorship of grants
  • Cooperative Agreements

To find out more about how our partner provides services view our partner services below.

View Partner Services