About Us

The Lower Hatchie NWR was established in 1980. The purpose for which the Lower Hatchie Refuge was established is “... for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” 

The refuge encompasses the lower reaches of the Hatchie River and consists of bottomland hardwoods, moist-soil units, agricultural fields, and associated uplands. The large forested tracts, open lands, and aquatic features found on the refuge provide an important ecological niche for fish, wildlife, and plant species.

Waterfowl resting on a partially frozen lake.
Image Details

Other Facilities in this Complex

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

An image of an adult Canada Goose with four chicks.
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge
Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 11,556 acres in west Tennessee, and serves as an important resting and feeding area for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds.
National Wildlife Refuge
Stanton,TN
An image of a flock of geese standing in a wetland.
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge
Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1985. It has the largest tract of bottomland hardwood forest in Tennessee, and lies in the Lower Mississippi River floodplain.
National Wildlife Refuge
Ripley,TN
An image of a Northern Shoveler landing in a wetland.
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 and became the first National Wildlife Refuge in the state of Tennessee. The refuge currently encompasses 1,850 acres and is located in Lake County, Tennessee.
National Wildlife Refuge
Union City,TN
An image of a Bald Eagle.
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge
Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge was established to manage the upper third of Reelfoot Lake as a refuge for migratory birds. Reelfoot is a wintering ground for migratory waterfowl and bald eagles.
National Wildlife Refuge
Union City,TN