Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

  • FamilyFishingDerby2-Millsxrotate

    Ducks Unlimited Fishing Derby

    Every year in September Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge and Ducks Unlimited put on a fishing event that is fun for the whole family.

    Learn More

  • MINWRRoad-GlennonxRotate

    Open Roads Days

    "Open Roads Days" events are held throughout the year to provide opportunities to fish and observe wildlife.

    2021 Calendar of Events (printable pdf)

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    Wings Over Water

    Wings Over Water occurs every year in the fall and offers an assortment of ways to experience the wildness and uniqueness of the area.

    Wings Over Water

  • monarch_caterpillar

    Have Monarchs Arrived at Your House?

    Keep your eyes peeled. A great citizen science project tracks monarchs moving north. Report when you see the first butterfly, egg or larva.

    Track their progress.

Featured Wildlife

American Black Duck

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American black ducks migrate to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in the fall from their breeding grounds in eastern Canada. They arrive in October and remain until February.

Learn More

Snow Goose

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Snow geese migrate to Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in the fall from their breeding grounds on the tundra in northeastern Canada. They arrive in October and remain until February. They reside in the moist soil units and marshes on the refuge and in the Bay and River surrounding the refuge.

Learn More
NEWS

What's in the News?

Keep up with news releases from eastern North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges

News Releases

About the Complex

North Carolina Coastal Plain National Wildlife Refuges Complex

Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the North Carolina Coastal Plain National Wildlife Refuges Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online