Urban Wildlife Conservation Day, celebrated in October, recognizes urban national wildlife refuges, urban wildlife conservation partnerships and migratory bird treaty cities for enriching the lives of Americans and their communities.
For the 80 percent of Americans who live in or near cities, urban national wildlife refuges provide vital access to nature and outdoor recreation, boosting residents’ physical and psychological well-being. Urban wildlife refuges also promote local economies.
Among the 101 urban refuges offering Americans nearby wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation, including hiking, hunting and fishing, are refuges near Albuquerque, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, Portland and San Diego and a refuge within the city limits of Philadelphia. Another 30 urban wildlife refuge partnerships provide nature-based recreation to people who live within 25 miles of an area with a population of more than 250,000. Urban wildlife conservation partnerships are active in cities including Baltimore, Chicago and Houston.
National wildlife refuges are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
People thrive on nature, wherever they live.
Video: Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge near New Orleans is a rocking place.
