Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Working with others, to conserve wildlife and their habitats is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do, from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.

In addition to restoration work on the refuge, we work in cooperation with private landowners in the 12,000 acre Whittlesey Creek watershed to protect and restore important riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian habitat through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. Habitat restoration is directed at reducing sediment loading in Whittlesey Creek through placement of engineered log jams, road culvert replacement to allow for fish passage fish passage
Fish passage is the ability of fish or other aquatic species to move freely throughout their life to find food, reproduce, and complete their natural migration cycles. Millions of barriers to fish passage across the country are fragmenting habitat and leading to species declines. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Passage Program is working to reconnect watersheds to benefit both wildlife and people.

Learn more about fish passage and other in-stream habitat work. Reforestation of riparian areas is completed to reduce erosion and provide additional habitat for migratory birds. The refuge uses chemicals to control invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species .

With the recent addition of a park ranger position at the refuge, we have begun to engage in more education and outreach programs with schools and the community. One of the key pieces of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mission is that we are protecting these lands for the "continuing benefit of the American people". However, how can we expect people to help us protect these lands if they know nothing about them and have no connection to the lands themselves? Education, interpretation and community outreach are critical pieces in the fulfillment of our mission. 

Image Details