Autumn's Arrival In National Wildlife Refuges: A Season of Natural Wonders

📷 Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Fall, Georgia | Larry Woodward / USFWS

As the days grow shorter and a chill creeps into the air, nature begins its enchanting transformation, heralding the arrival of autumn. For the National Wildlife Refuge System, this season brings a unique charm, a time when wildlife and landscapes prepare for the colder months. Here, we delve into the splendid signs of autumn that grace our national wildlife refuges, where the beauty of nature meets its vibrant, resplendent side.

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Leaves Changing Color

Autumn's fiery hues are unmissable

Leaves at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Pennsylvania | Bruce Hallman / USFWS

Tamaracks in Fall | Courtney Celley / USFWS

Tamarack trees are deciduous conifers with needle-like leaves that turn gold in the fall and then shed. These trees are also referred to as hackmatack and larch.

Fall colors on Little Mountain in Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Wyoming | Tom Koerner / USFWS

In the embrace of our national wildlife refuges, a spellbinding spectacle unfolds with the changing of leaves. The lush green canopy of summer begins to turn into a mesmerizing tapestry of gold and crimson. Here, deciduous trees, like old friends, surrender their vibrant green attire to reveal shades that dance with autumn's warm glow. This metamorphosis is orchestrated by the refuge's unique blend of temperatures and daylight hours, setting the stage for nature's grand finale.

Migratory Birds

Birdwatching becomes an autumn delight

Ruby-throated hummingbird | Courtney Celley / USFWS

Sandhill cranes in the Huron Wetland Management District, South Dakota | Sandra Uecker / USFWS

Prothonotary warbler | John Flores / USFWS

As cool breezes begin to whisper through these pristine landscapes, it signals the great journey south. Just as nature paints the foliage, it beckons migratory birds to take flight. Throughout national wildlife refuges, an aerial ballet unfolds, where birds like the warblers, swifts, and swallows prepare for their long trek to warmer climes. It's a season of goodbyes and hellos, with the return of cranes, waxwings, and waterfowl from the far reaches of the Arctic and the Boreal Forests of Canada and Alaska. In refuges, the skies are alive with the grace of avian travelers.

Abundant Harvest

cornucopia of nature's offerings

Close-up of red berries and tundra foliage in Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska | Kristine Sowl / USFWS

Sage thrasher eating saskatoon serviceberries at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Wyoming | Tom Koerner / USFWS

Gray tree frog resting on a vibrant American beautyberry | Peter Rea / USFWS

Autumn also brings forth a bountiful harvest of nature's own. National wildlife refuges' hedgerows and meadows are festooned with treasures like ripe serviceberries, elderberries, beautyberries, rosehips, and wild raspberries. A feast for the senses, these fruits are not just a culinary delight but also a lifeline for the refuge's inhabitants. Deer, squirrels, bears, and songbirds indulge in this abundance, drawing sustenance for the coming winter and creating a vibrant cycle of life within the refuge's embrace.

Blooms of Fall

Bumble bee on goldenrod | Jim Hudgins / USFWS

Monarch on New England aster | USFWS

Common buckeye on boneset | Jessica Bolser / USFWS

While much of the natural world prepares for a season of dormancy, goldenrods, asters, and bonesets burst into life, a haven for late-season pollinators. Hues of golden and purple paint national wildlife refuges and have a special view of bees and humans growing symbiotically together. Bees and butterflies, still active under the autumn sun, descend upon these blooms, savoring the last nectar of the season. It's a reminder that even in the midst of change, life continues to thrive in the refuge's sheltering arms.

Falling Seeds

Common milkweed seeds | Courtney Celley / USFWS

Acorn woodpecker with acorn | Kenny Seals / USFWS

A red squirrel snacking on a tree limb in Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Massachusetts | Bill Thompson / USFWS

Autumn whispers secrets as the trees share their seeds. Plump acorns, pinon nuts, and pecans tumble to the ground, forming nature's bounty at your feet. A quiet moment of contemplation reveals the orchestration of life within the refuge's boundaries. Some seeds take flight with the wind's gentle guidance, a dance of whirly maple seeds in the autumn breeze. National wildlife refuges are a stage where these seeds take their first steps into the next generation of forest giants.

Fungi's Enigmatic Beauty

Indigo milkcap | Patrick Coin

Witches' butter | Peter Pearsall / USFWS

Cortinarius growing in a mossy understory | Deborah Kornblut

Damp earth awakens the enchanting world of fungi, unveiling a spectrum of colors and curious forms. Refuges, where life thrives in many forms, host a grand spectacle of mushrooms. From the indigo milk cap to the whimsically named witches' butter, these fungal wonders ignite the imagination. A word of caution: While these fungi captivate the senses, many are enigmatic and some even deadly. It's a reminder that nature's beauty often hides mysteries beneath its surface.

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Autumn's arrival in the National Wildlife Refuge System is a season of revelation, where nature's canvas changes with breathtaking precision. In these sanctuaries of life, the signs of autumn remind us of the vital role of national wildlife refuges in conserving and celebrating the cyclical wonders of the natural world. As you explore the autumn treasures at your nearest national wildlife refuge, remember that every leaf that falls, every bird that soars, and every fruit that ripens is a testament to the endless beauty and resilience of nature.

What's a Flyway Anyway? Revealing The Mysteries of Bird Migratory Flyways

In the grand symphony of nature, migratory animals take center stage, dancing to the rhythm of ancient patterns. Imagine the tales whispered in the winds as they traverse the vastness between breeding and wintering grounds. These tales are etched along the pathways known as migration flyways, intricate threads that weave through the aerial realm, guiding the delicate flight of insects and the majestic journey of birds.

Migration flyways, these enigmatic routes traversed by countless winged creatures, encapsulate both the beauty and fragility of our planet's interconnected web of life. These sky-bound highways span continents, uniting species in their quest for survival. From the Atlantic Flyway to the Pacific Flyway, they hum with stories of migration, renewal, and resilience.

Beneath these aerial corridors lies a terrestrial tapestry where life thrives. The area within and underneath the migration flyway serves as a bustling hub for all wildlife, offering sustenance, shelter, and safety. It's a symphony of existence, where not just the fliers but also the walkers, the crawlers, and the bounders find their place.

Imagine looking up into the sky during spring or fall and witnessing a mesmerizing spectacle - flocks of birds moving in organized formations, embarking on journeys that span thousands of miles. These remarkable migrations are guided by nature's invisible pathways, known as migratory flyways.

Bird migratory flyways are defined routes that connect breeding and wintering grounds, guiding birds as they navigate across vast landscapes. These routes are shaped by a combination of geographical features, such as coastlines, mountains, and open water bodies. The flyways provide not only efficient travel routes but also crucial stopover sites where birds can rest and refuel during their long journeys.

National wildlife refuges are protected areas that are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the purpose of conserving wildlife and their habitats. These lands provide critical support for migratory animals, offering food, shelter, and other resources they need during their long journeys. By protecting these habitats, the National Wildlife Refuge System helps to ensure that migratory species have the resources they need to successfully complete their annual migrations.

In this unfolding narrative, national wildlife refuges emerge as beacons of hope and guardians of these migratory journeys. These hallowed grounds, carefully conserved by the federal government and local communities, are sanctuaries where nature's harmonies echo. Refuges become rest stops, havens of sustenance and safety, as migratory travelers navigate their arduous voyages.

Yet, as with any masterpiece, there are notes that are inharmonious. Climate change, habitat loss, and human activity form a disagreeing undertone threatening harmonious migration journeys. The delicate equilibrium of these flyways hangs in the balance, requiring our collective efforts to mend the melody.

The role of national wildlife refuges in supporting migration flyways is more important than ever. Limited resources are preventing the National Wildlife Refuge System from running effective conservation programs and hiring enough staff to properly manage and maintain the lands and habitats under their care, which can have negative impacts on the health and well-being of migratory species.

That's why it's crucial that we find ways to support and strengthen national wildlife refuges. By raising awareness about the challenges these refuges face, and advocating for increased funding and staffing, the National Wildlife Refuge Association can help to ensure that these protected areas continue to play a critical role in supporting migration flyways and conserving the wildlife that relies on them.

So, what is a flyway anyway? It's more than a route on a map. It's a sacred passage, a migration tapestry woven by the very threads of life. It's the story of countless beings undertaking extraordinary journeys, a testament to the resilience and interconnectedness of life on Earth. And it's an invitation, extended by organizations like the National Wildlife Refuge Association, to join in the symphony of conservation, where every note contributes to the survival of a shared melody.

Join the Symphony of Conservation

Stand with us, and together, we will champion the conservation of migratory flyways and the awe they bring to our hearts. Your support matters and your contribution will help protect these vital routes that connect species across the globe. As the National Wildlife Refuge Association continues to protect, promote, and enhance the invaluable habitats of the Refuge System join us on this journey of safeguarding our nation’s natural treasures, one flyway at a time.

Feathered Friends and Flowing Water: The Vital Role of National Wildlife Refuges in Protecting Migratory Birds

📷 Rufous hummingbird at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Wyoming | Tom Koerner / USFWS

As the days lengthen and the snow melts, a tiny traveler prepares for an epic journey. The Rufous Hummingbird, weighing no more than a penny, is about to embark on an incredible migration from its winter home in Mexico to the Pacific Northwest of the United States. With an innate sense of navigation, the bird will navigate across thousands of miles, traversing mountain ranges, deserts, and vast bodies of water. The journey is treacherous, and only the strongest and fittest will survive. Yet, despite the many challenges, the Rufous Hummingbird's annual migration is a testament to the incredible endurance and resilience of migratory birds.

Today on World Migratory Bird Day we celebrate globally the incredible journeys birds make each year as they travel thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. This year's theme is water, which is fitting since migratory birds rely heavily on aquatic ecosystems throughout their life cycles.

Migratory bird flyways in North America | North Dakota Game and Fish Department

Migratory birds depend on a variety of water-based habitats, such as inland and coastal wetlands, rivers, lakes, streams, marshes, and ponds. These habitats serve as important areas for feeding, drinking, nesting, and resting during their long journeys. Unfortunately, development, pollution, and climate change often threaten these vital habitats. It is essential to conserve these areas, now more than ever.

In the United States alone, wetland loss has reached 50% in some areas, leading to a decline in waterfowl populations. An estimated 2.9 billion birds have been lost in North America since 1970 due to habitat destruction and other factors. According to the State of Birds 2022, more than half of U.S. bird species are declining. These statistics highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these amazing creatures' habitats and migration routes.

National wildlife refuges play a crucial role in conserving these vital habitats for migratory birds. The National Wildlife Refuge System includes over 560 individual refuges and thousands of wetlands, providing critical stopover points and nesting areas for birds on their journeys across the Americas.

At many national wildlife refuges, water is the key to the survival of migratory birds. Wetlands are significant, as they provide breeding and nesting habitat for many species and crucial feeding areas during migration. These wetlands are often interconnected, forming a network of habitats that birds can use as they move across the landscape.

In addition to wetlands, many national wildlife refuges also have rivers, streams, and other waterways that provide important habitats for migratory birds. These habitats can be critical during migration when birds must refuel before continuing their journey.

Sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico during Festival of the Cranes | Marvin De Jong / USFWS Volunteer

One example of a national wildlife refuge critical for migratory birds is the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. This refuge includes over 57,000 acres of wetlands and other habitats that provide critical stopover habitats for sandhill cranes and other migratory birds.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, located on Virginia's Eastern Shore, is another vital stopover site for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. This refuge's diverse range of habitats, including beaches, marshes, and maritime forests, offer essential breeding, nesting, and feeding grounds for over 320 bird species, including some endangered and threatened species. The refuge is home to several noteworthy birds, such as the peregrine falcon, clapper rail, northern harrier, and the great egret.

National wildlife refuges are also important for conserving water resources themselves. By protecting wetlands, rivers, and other waterways, the refuge system helps ensure that these critical resources are available for wildlife and people alike.

Northern Shoveler wades through marsh water at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia | Aubrey Kurtz / USFWS

The National Wildlife Refuge System has been working to protect and conserve migratory bird habitats by creating and managing protected areas that serve as crucial stopover points for birds on their long journeys. However, these habitats continue to face threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and human disturbance. To address these challenges, the Refuge System has implemented various conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, invasive species management, and monitoring of bird populations. The Migratory Bird Conservation Act and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act are fundamental laws providing funding for conservation efforts and habitat restoration projects. Additionally, partnerships with conservation organizations and local communities are critical to ensuring the long-term protection of migratory bird habitats within the National Wildlife Refuge System.

National wildlife refuges are havens of natural beauty, teeming with life and bursting with vibrant color. They are magical places where time seems to stand still, and the only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the trilling of songbirds. But they are more than just pretty places. They are truly refuges where the incredible journeys of migratory birds are protected and fostered. Without these refuges, the awe-inspiring sight of flocks of birds soaring through the sky on their epic migrations could be lost forever. So let's come together on World Migratory Bird Day and vow to do all we can to ensure that these magnificent creatures continue to grace our skies for generations to come.

Feathery Fun: Celebrating National Bird Day and the Importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System

Happy National Bird Day! Today is a time to celebrate and appreciate our feathered friends and all the joy they bring to our lives. But it's also a time to reflect on the importance of protecting and preserving the habitats that these birds call home.

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of 568 national wildlife refuges throughout the United States dedicated to the conservation of our nation's wildlife. These refuges provide vital habitats for a wide variety of species, including many different types of birds.

From the majestic bald eagle to the colorful painted bunting, the National Wildlife Refuge System plays a crucial role in the survival and thriving of bird populations across the country. These protected areas provide a safe place for birds to breed, raise their young, and find the food and resources they need to thrive. Refuges also support recreational opportunities for connecting with birds, from wildlife watching to photography.

But the National Wildlife Refuge System isn't just important for birds. It's also vital for the health and well-being of countless other species, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These public lands help to maintain the balance of nature and ensure that our ecosystems remain healthy and diverse.

So on this National Bird Day, let's take a moment to appreciate and celebrate our feathered friends. Let's also remember the importance of protecting and preserving the habitats these birds and other wildlife depend on for survival. The National Wildlife Refuge System is a critical part of this effort, and we should do everything we can to support and protect it.

There are many ways that you can get involved and help support the National Wildlife Refuge System. You can visit your local refuge and enjoy all the beauty and wonder that it has to offer. You can also donate to organizations like the National Wildlife Refuge Association that support national wildlife refuges and birds every day.

No matter how you get involved, the important thing is to take action and do your part to protect and preserve our nation's wildlife and its habitats. Let's make every day National Bird Day and work together to create a brighter future for all of our feathered friends.

Enhancing Texas Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuges & The Lands Beyond Their Boundaries

Bahia Grande in Laguna Atascosa NWR, TX | USFWS

The National Wildlife Refuge Association has been involved in projects to assist national wildlife refuges and areas beyond their boundaries on the Texas Gulf Coast for many years with an emphasis on conservation planning, community engagement, and land acquisition.  In the past, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has been involved with projects focused on the Texas Chenier Plain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, and the Bahia Grande Coastal Corridor benefiting Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. 

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is pleased to announce the continuation of our work on the Texas Gulf Coast as we bring on consultants Ernest Cook and Mike Lange who will assist us with identifying opportunities to expand the National Wildlife Refuge System along the Texas Gulf Coast

In late December, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) acquired 4,628 acres of bottomland forest along the Texas Gulf Coast.  The property – known as Peach Creek Forest – was the largest privately-owned tract of old-growth forest remaining in the Columbia Bottomlands, and USFWS had been seeking to acquire it for over 20 years.  The land is now part of the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge.

Bald cypress along Linville Bayou in the Columbia Bottomlands, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, TX | USFWS

The Columbia Bottomlands once covered over a thousand square miles of floodplain forest along the Brazos, San Bernard, and Colorado Rivers.  Today, just 150 square miles remain, but the forest still provides critical habitat for a wide range of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.  With the forest's proximity so close to the coast, it is particularly important as stopover habitat for birds that migrate across the Gulf to Mexico and points further south.

USFWS was able to fund the purchase with close to $11.5 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, combined with private fundraising of just over $2 million.  Principal donors included the Knobloch Family Foundation, Houston’s Brown Foundation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which selected Peach Creek Forest as its first conservation project supported by the Bezos Earth Fund.  Project negotiations and fundraising were led by consultants, Ernest Cook and Mike Lange, who were retained by the Friends of Brazoria Wildlife Refuges through a grant from the Damuth Foundation. The Nature Conservancy also played a key role in fundraising for the project.

Duck Stamps Conserve Wildlife Habitat

Written by Joan Patterson of Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates

Buying a Federal Duck Stamp (Stamp) is one of the most effective ways you can conserve wildlife. Approximately 98% of the $25 Stamp directly funds land acquisition and easements that provide critical habitat for wildlife. These lands are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and you can visit many of them!

The woman behind the gun (Library of Congress)

At the turn of the 20th century, America's wildlife was under immediate threats. Market shooting to supply restaurants; bounty hunting and unregulated sport hunting; and feather-collecting for the fashion industry contributed to the loss of millions of birds and other wildlife. Additionally, millions of acres of wetlands were drained for agriculture and development, greatly reducing waterfowl nesting habitat

By the 1930s, America had entered the Great Depression and many in the Great Plains regions suffered the added economic and ecological effects of the Dust Bowl. During this time President Herbert Hoover signed the Migratory Bird Conservation Act in 1929 to authorize the acquisition and preservation of wetlands as waterfowl habitat. Unfortunately, the law did not provide a permanent funding source to purchase and preserve these wetlands. In 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act (or "Duck Stamp Act"), which did!

The 2020-2021 Federal Duck Stamp features black-bellied whistling ducks by Eddie LeRoy of Eufaula, Alabama

The Duck Stamp Act requires anyone 16 or older to purchase a Stamp for waterfowl hunting. But you don't have to be a waterfowl hunter to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp! If you care about wildlife and habitats they depend on, help conserve these critical lands by purchasing a Federal Duck Stamp!

Artists and stamp collectors are important stakeholders of the Stamp. In 1949, the first Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest was held. Today, 71 years later, the tradition of hosting a government-sponsored nationwide contest continues. In 1989, the Junior Duck Stamp Program was initiated to encourage education and participation for students Kindergarten through 12th-grade nationwide! Junior Duck Stamps are available for purchase for $5.

In addition to serving as a license for waterfowl hunting, funding benefits for conservation, promoting art that appeals to collectors, and providing an opportunity for competing artists, the current Federal Duck Stamp also grants you free entrance into any National Wildlife Refuge that charges an entry fee!

The 2020-2021 Junior Duck Stamp features a wood duck by 13-year-old Madison Grimm of South Dakota

Federal Duck Stamps are available online, in post offices, and in many sporting goods and large-scale retail stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses and equipment. Check your local refuge to see if they sell Federal Duck Stamps, as well. The Stamp is also available from Amplex Corporation, and if you are interested in selling Federal Duck Stamps, they are the organization to contact.

The Migratory Bird Conservation Fund announced that the 2020-2021 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps will be available for purchase on Friday, June 26. These Stamps will feature the winning artwork of Eddie LeRoy of Eufaula, Alabama, and 13-year-old Madison Grimm of South Dakota, winners of the 2020 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest and 2020 Junior Duck Stamp Contest, respectively. This year's First Day of Sale ceremony planned for Spanish Fort, AL has been canceled.

Please be a part of this American tradition, and more importantly, be a part in conserving America's future by purchasing a 2020-2021 Federal Duck Stamp.

Keeping Tabs On The Road To Nowhere Threatening Izembek National Wildlife Refuge

Over the past few weeks, there have been new developments on a road that would cut through the iconic Izembek National Wildlife Refuge…

7/22/19 BREAKING NEWS: 

The Trump Administration has abandoned its appeal of the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge decision set down in March by a federal judge, giving up, for now, their effort to build a road through this iconic wetland area.

The National Wildlife Refuge Association and several other plaintiffs had sued to stop the Trump Administration from implementing an Exchange Agreement, which would have exchanged lands of lesser habitat quality with the rich wetlands of the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge so the road could be built. We are ecstatic to see this outcome. While we are keeping an eye on any new moves by the Administration to restart this process, for now, the Izembek NWR is safe!

7/25/19 IZEMBEK UPDATE:

The Izembek National Wildlife Refuge threat is back, and sooner than we expected.

We reported two days ago that the Trump Administration had dropped their appeal on the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge lawsuit, meaning they were abandoning their attempt to complete a land exchange in order to build a road through the sensitive wetlands of the refuge. We were sure this was not their final move on this issue but were not sure what they would try next.

Yesterday, we learned that the reason they dropped the appeal is that on June 28th, the King Cove Corporation and the Administration signed a second land exchange agreement. They were able to keep this agreement a secret for nearly a month, and we are examining what steps have been taken over that intervening time. 

The National Wildlife Refuge Association will never give up on fighting for the Izembek NWR. We are examining our legal options, and are prepared to fight this new threat to the end. Keep tuned for more information and action alerts on this issue.

8/7/19 IZEMBEK UPDATE: 

Yesterday, the National Wildlife Refuge Association and 8 other organizations filed suit against the Interior Department, seeking to void the new Exchange Agreement signed in secret in late June between the Department and the King Cove Corporation. This Agreement allows wilderness land in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to be traded for other lands owned by the King Cove Corporation, so that a road can be built through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.

As always, we will keep you updated on the progress of this lawsuit as it progresses and any threats to this iconic landscape in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.