Outdoor Activity
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge
Many national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries offer a range of recreational and educational opportunities for visitors — tourists and locals alike.
Find an FWS Facility Near You
Visit a National Wildlife Refuge Facility
Protected Lands and Waters
The Refuge System administers lands and waters across the U.S. and territories, including:
- 567 National Wildlife Refuges
- 38 Wetland Management Districts
- 5 Marine National Monuments
- 63 Refuges with Wilderness Areas
The Purpose of Refuges
Each refuge is established to serve a statutory purpose that targets the conservation of native species dependent on its land and waters.
Things to Do and See
Where consistent with their primary purpose, refuges also offer activities for people, such as:
- Hunting and fishing
- Birdwatching and wildlife photography
- Hiking and canoeing
- Scientific research
Visit a National Fish Hatchery
National Fish Hatcheries and You
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature, or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National fish hatcheries provide many opportunities for you to help your community, fish, and wildlife by doing what you love.
The Purpose of Hatcheries
Seventy fish hatcheries across the nation work with states and Tribes to produce and distribute fish for recreational and conservation purposes and provide refuge for endangered species. The hatcheries also provide outdoor opportunities from fishing events and tours to numerous education activities.
Things to Do and See
Nearly one million people visit the National Fish Hatchery System every year for incredible opportunities to hike, bird, fish, visit an aquarium, and learn more about fish conservation.
- Take part in a fishing derby
- See a freshwater fish aquarium
- Explore a nature trail
Latest Stories
Recreation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced more than $20 million in grant funding to assist states and territories in the construction, renovation and maintenance of marinas and other boating facilities for outdoor recreation. Reauthorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this year’s...
Habitat Restoration
Through the National Fish Habitat Partnership, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partners are providing more than $39.2 million to support 95 fish habitat conservation projects in 24 states.
Wildlife Management
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is distributing $56.5 million to state fish and wildlife agencies through the State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program to support conservation and stewardship efforts for imperiled wildlife and their habitats.
Land Management
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is exploring the possibility of a new conservation area across Southwest Florida and asks for the public’s input. The Service is examining opportunities to provide conservation assistance within a study area, which stretches from Lakeland to Naples with Lake...
Endangered Species Act
State, nonprofit, university, and federal partners have collaborated for years in Virginia to restore red-cockaded woodpecker habitat, and reintroduce birds from healthy populations in other parts of its range.
Ways to Get Involved
Whether as a visitor to a refuge, a volunteer, a coworker, a formal partner, or more, there's plenty of ways we can work together to conserve and protect our natural resources. Here's just a few...
Learning Opportunities
We offer many types of learning opportunities including formal and informal training. Some of the education we offer includes job training, career enhancement training, education for environmental or technical professionals, and students.
Youth Programs
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) enjoys a proud history working with a range of youth organizations to help young people develop academic, leadership, and citizenship skills.
Partnerships
The Fish and Wildlife Service enters into agreements with a wide range of organizations at the national, regional and local levels.
Volunteering Opportunities
We have lots of ways to help out, for the short term or long, on the ground or in the office. We truly value our volunteer colleagues.