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

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    Bringing the Refuge to You!

    When a trip to the refuge isn't possible, let us bring a little nature to you! Learn about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, different wildlife species and wildlife careers.

    USFWS Educational Videos

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    Conservation Through the Arts!

    Calling all student artists...try your hand at creating a duck stamp. It's easy, fun and free to participate.

    Learn more about the Federal Jr. Duck Stamp program!

Refuge Happenings

Sanctuary Areas Closed Nov. 15th - Mar. 15th

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The waterfowl have started to arrive! The sanctuary areas of the refuge seasonally closed Nov. 15th and will remain closed through March 15th. This includes Britton Ford Bay, Swamp Creek Bay, Bennett's Creek Bay, Duck River Bottoms, the Nix Landing/Tie Yard Areas and the Busseltown Unit. See hashed areas on the map link below.

See map of Seasonally Closed Areas

Waterfowl in the Southeast Region

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As the tempertures decrease, we are seeing more and more waterfowl on the refuge. None are more excited than the Waterfowl Working Group comprised of National Wildlife Refuge System staff, Migratory Bird program staff, university faculty, and conservation partners. See what's happening in the world of waterfowl management planning.

Waterfowl in the Southeast Region

Wings of Winter Birding Festival Cancelled Due To Covid

WOW cancelled due to covid

Once again, we regret to announce that our popular birding festival is cancelled due the surge in Covid-19 cases. We will continue again January 15-16, 2023

Calling all Student Artists!

Junior Duck Stamp

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Learn all about this fantastic program that engages students and aids in waterfowl conservation!

Tennessee JDS

About the Complex

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

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