Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

What's going on at FWS

With more than 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 70 national fish hatcheries, numerous regional and field offices across the country and thousands of active conservation projects, the nearly 8,000 employees of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have a lot going on. Here are a few of the latest news stories from across the Service...

Yellow marsh marigold in bloom
Highlighting spring ephemerals
Spring ephemerals are woodland wildflowers that develop early each spring, quickly bloom then produce seed. These plants play an important role in the ecosystem, providing early food for pollinators and improving soil health. We invite you to learn more about a few of these unique plants. Watch for...
A scenic photo of a swamp in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge on a clear day.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the National Wetlands Inventory
Wetlands contribute to the health, safety, and prosperity of communities by supplying clean water, protecting people and infrastructure from floods and storms, and providing opportunities for recreation including birding, hunting, fishing, and boating. Wetlands have long been central to the mission...
Biological Science Technician Paul Boynton holding an adult Lake Trout
Science and Technology
Great Lakes - Lake Trout and Cisco
In the cold blue depths of Lake Erie, where so many questions have gone unanswered for so long, lake trout and cisco work begins with a simple signal: one fish, one ping, one clue at a time.
Young girl in a pink dress holds a small bucket with two fish to release
Migratory Species
Spring Salmon Release Celebrations
Mid-April marks a time for celebration at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery with the release of our spring Chinook salmon. Learn more about how we release our salmon and the different ways we engage with our community for the release!
The common loon known as ABJ on the water with two chicks
Wildlife Wonders
The oldest known common loons
A common loon’s iconic wail provides the summer soundtrack to northern waters. We want to tell you about two particularly impressive common loons - a pair made up of both of the oldest known common loons in the world.
A red-cockaded woodpecker standing on a tree trunk.
Our Partners
Partner Fish and Wildlife Agencies Receive $55 Million to Protect and Manage Species of Conservation Concern
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is distributing more than $55 million to state fish and wildlife agencies through the State Wildlife Grant (SWG) Program to protect and manage species of conservation need, promote the recovery of wildlife and conserve habitats nationwide.

Our Focus

The history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be traced back to 1871. We are the only federal government agency whose primary responsibility is to manage fish and wildlife resources in the public trust for people today and future generations. Here are just a few of our focus areas...

What We Do For You

If you’re looking for places to experience nature; interested in partnering with us; seeking technical advice, permits, grants, data or scientific research; want to know more about today’s conservation challenges; looking for ways on how you can get involved and make a difference -- the Service has a lot to offer and more…

Visit Us - Our Locations

With more than 560 national wildlife refuges, dozens of national fish hatcheries and more than 100 field offices, there are numerous great U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service locations to visit.