Features
Hunting Permits Available August 1
Beginning Monday, August 1, at 7:00 pm, NINE (9) permits will be available for online purchase on a first-come, first-served basis.
Purchase Deer Hunt Permit Here
What's Happening
April 04, 2016In response to decreasing wildlife populations, conservationists have called for more protected and managed shrublands. To address this, the Service worked with partners to propose the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge. A draft environmental assessment was distributed for public review and comment. The comment period has now closed.
Learn moreAbout the Complex
This complex also includes Wallkill River and Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuges.
Shawangunk Grasslands is managed as part of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Learn more about the complex About the NWRS
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
Important Things to Know
Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is the premier location in southern New York state for nesting grassland birds. The refuge is managed specifically to benefit several species of grassland obligates – that is those species that require large open grassland habitat to breed successfully. Breeding bird surveys have been conducted here for many years and we are continuing to do so this year. These surveys help us measure the success of our management activities. This includes the removal and restoration of 30 acres of old runways in 2010 through 2012 and our recent prescribed burn of 170 acres this past spring which was done to promote the growth of warm season grasses. An initial analysis of the data suggests that this management has been successful as distribution of these species throughout the core grass units on the refuge is more widespread. In particular, Grasshopper sparrows seem to have benefited significantly with these habitat improvements. In addition to the bird surveys, vegetation surveys are also being conducted.
Shawangunk Grasslands NWR is a natural area without restroom facilities or potable water sources. Please plan accordingly before visiting.
Information to plan your visit.
Shawangunk Grasslands offers a variety of ways to enjoy the refuge including wildlife viewing, photography and hunting.
Learn about activities on the refuge
Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge was established to support grassland-dependent migratory birds and wintering raptors. The refuge has been identified as a Biodiversity Focus Area and an Important Bird Area (Audubon New York), a designation given only to places that support significant abundance and diversity of birds.
Learn more
Page Photo Credits — Shawangunk Grasslands - Steven Brooks., All photos courtesy of USFWS unless otherwise noted., Shawangunk grasslands in winter - Steven Brooks, Winter at Shawangunk - Steven Brooks, Spring meadow - Steven Brooks, Short-eared owl - Ed Frampton
Last Updated: Jul 21, 2016