Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Trail and Observation Blind Closures

    Effective Friday, December 18th, there will be trail and observation blind closures designed to help protect the Short-eared Owls.

    Learn More

  • Restroom Open

    The restroom will be cleaned 3 times per week. Due to Covid-19, please use at your own risk.

  • New Building Construction

    Please reduce your speed and yield to all construction workers and their machinery. Thank you for your cooperation.

  • Lenape NWR Complex Brochure

    New Brochure for the Lenape National Wildlife Refuge Complex

    Lenape NWR Complex Brochure

Important Things to Know

Peak Winter Raptor Season

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Recent observations from the refuge note at least 10 Short-eared Owls and a variety of other raptors – Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Merlin, Northern Harrier, American Kestrel and Bald Eagle. Rough-legged Hawks should also be arriving anytime now. The hawks may be seen at any time of day but dusk is the most reliable time to see the owls. Dusk is also a good time to watch the interactions that can take place between the Harriers and Owls. The parking lot is usually a good location from which to view the owls and there is an observation platform just off of the parking lot but anywhere along the trails can be productive as well. We do ask that you respect the wildlife and remain on the trails at all times. Enjoy the birds.

Plan your visit

Short-eared Owl

The public restroom is open and cleaned three times per week. Please use the restroom at your own risk due to COVID-19. There are no potable water sources on site. Please plan your visit accordingly.

Information to plan your visit.

Things to do

Things to do

Shawangunk Grasslands offers a variety of ways to enjoy the refuge including wildlife viewing, photography, and catch-and-release fishing

Learn about activities on the refuge
Meet Our Friends

Meet Our Friends

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The Friends of Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is an independent non-profit association founded in 2016. The operations and activities are managed by an all volunteer board of directors. The purpose of the Friends of Shawangunk Grasslands is to support the mission of the Refuge through promotion of environmental stewardship, biological programs, environmental education, recreational activities, land acquisition and habitat management and enhancement. For more information, please visit their Facebook page or their website:

Friends Of Shawangunk Grasslands

About the Complex

Lenape National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Lenape National Wildlife Refuge 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
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