Today, 573 National Wildlife Refuges cover more than 95 million acres of land across the United States: a vast, living network of wetlands, forests, deserts, grasslands, and coasts. More than 3,000 advocates have sent messages of thanks to the workers who steward these refuges for current and future generations—we hope you’ll join them.

Together with national parks and monuments, America’s system of wildlife refuges creates a crown of gems that protects the nation’s most treasured landscapes. Species like the Blackburnian Warbler, Tundra Swan, and Rufous Hummingbird use these protected places to refuel and rest during migration. Wildlife refuges support more than 800 species of birds and provide essential habitat for fish, mammals, and plants. They also sustain people, generating $3.2 billion in annual economic activity and an estimated 41,000 jobs in rural communities. 

Even as wildlife refuges safeguard some of the most critical ecosystems in North America, they face mounting challenges. 

Wildlife refuge staff work tirelessly to protect these spaces for birds and people, but they need more resources. Workers are juggling habitat restoration, invasive species control, scientific monitoring, water management, and public education, often across multiple sites. Yet despite these obstacles, they continue to innovate and persevere.

Share your gratitude for the workers caring for our wildlife refuges by sending a thank you message today.