National Wildlife Refuge Week reminds Americans how nature enriches our lives and adds to the beauty of this country.

Celebrated during the second full week of October since 1996, Refuge Week highlights the National Wildlife Refuge System – the network of lands and waters that protect wildlife and their habitats.

National wildlife refuges have been part of America’s proud natural heritage since the first refuge was established in 1903. They enrich human lives and help conserve wildlife, protect against erosion and flooding and purify air and water. As a benefit to the economy, they generate over $2.4 billion dollars and support more than 35,000 jobs.

For more information about National Wildlife Refuge Week and special events occurring at refuges around the country, visit https://www.fws.gov/refuges/visitors/RefugeWeek2016.html.