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

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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 close 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

New Hunt/Fish Opportunities

The New Hunt Program Changes as of August 31, 2020. Tennessee NWR has made changes to the hunt program in the Final 2020-2021 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations process. However, these changes will not be effective on the Tennessee NWR until the fall of 2022.

Learn the Details . . .
Refuge Update

This Year's Winter Waterfowl Count Suspended

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The Tennessee and Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge has announced that the aerial waterfowl counts will be suspended this winter due to concerns about Covid-19. See our waterfowl survey page for a look at historical data on the Tennessee NWR.

Historical Waterfowl Surveys on Tennessee NWR

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

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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