Shutdown Notice
Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, this website will not be updated until further notice. Where public access to refuge lands does not require the presence of a federal employee or contractor, activities on refuge lands will be allowed to continue on the same terms as before the appropriations lapse. Any entry onto Refuge System property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor's sole risk. Please read this important updated message about the closure of National Wildlife Refuge System facilities during the shutdown, and refer to alerts posted on individual refuge websites for the status of visitor facilities and previously scheduled events that may still occur during the shutdown.

For more information, please visit the Department of Interior webpage at https://www.doi.gov/shutdown

Important Things to Know

Winter in the Grasslands

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Winter is a challenging time for the avian wildlife at the Refuge. Raptors, such as Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers dominate the skies as they take advantage of the abundant Meadow Vole population. Short-eared Owls, Barred Owls, Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks and American Kestrels are overwintering at the Refuge. The late afternoon winter sun makes for dramatic wildlife photography.

Plan your visit

Short-eared Owl

The refuge now has a public restroom open year round, but no potable water sources. Please plan 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, fishing and bow hunting.

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 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
Follow NWRS Online