A Photo Appreciation of America’s National Wildlife Refuges
The United States is home to a remarkable array of national wildlife refuges, each offering unique ecosystems and habitats that support diverse wildlife. From the majestic bison roaming the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado, with the Denver skyline providing a striking backdrop, to the serene landscapes of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, where snow geese take flight in winter, these protected areas play a crucial role in conserving America’s natural heritage. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia is another gem, known for its wild ponies that graze peacefully along the shores, showcasing the blend of wildlife and human presence in these vital habitats.
Further afield, the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument in American Samoa highlights the importance of marine conservation, where vibrant coral reefs serve as a sanctuary for various fish species. Meanwhile, Alaska’s Izembek National Wildlife Refuge stands at the center of environmental and legal battles, as tribal governments and conservation groups challenge plans to construct a road through this pristine area, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to balance development with ecological preservation. In California, the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for harbor seals, while the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida offers glimpses of black skimmers and other avian wonders. Each of these refuges not only protects wildlife but also provides opportunities for public enjoyment and education, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
With over 560 national wildlife refuges across the country, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works tirelessly to manage these areas, ensuring that they remain vibrant ecosystems for generations to come. Visitors to these refuges can engage in activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and photography, which help raise awareness about the importance of conservation. Whether it’s witnessing a pod of orcas in Alaska’s Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge or observing the nesting habits of green sea turtles in the Midway Atoll, each experience underscores the vital role these sanctuaries play in protecting wildlife and preserving the delicate balance of our environment. As we celebrate the beauty and diversity of these natural spaces, it becomes increasingly clear that safeguarding these refuges is essential for the health of our planet and the future of its inhabitants.
Matt Dirksen / iStockphoto / Getty
A bison walks through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado, with the Denver skyline visible in the background.
Vicki Jauron / Babylon and Beyond Photography / Getty
Snow geese take flight in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico in winter.
Matt McClain /
The Washington Post
/ Getty
Wild ponies drink and graze in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on December 18, 2018, in Accomack County, Virginia.
Ian Shive / Planet Pix / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
Fish gather around coral in the lagoon surrounding Rose Atoll Marine National Monument and National Wildlife Refuge, the easternmost island of American Samoa.
Kristine Sowl / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
Steep mountains rise above the Joshua Green River Valley in Alaska’s Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. A group of tribal governments and environmental organizations
filed several lawsuits
this month against the Trump administration, trying to block recent actions that would allow a road to be built through the wildlife refuge.
Aric Crabb / Staff / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
An adult harbor seal watches over a pup as they lay out along the Newark Slough in the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont, California.
Bruce Bennett / Getty
A black skimmer glides above the water in Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida on February 9, 2025.
John Morrison / Getty
A herd of elk grazes in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, on the Missouri River in northern Montana.
Qian Weizhong / VCG / Getty
Blackbirds fly over Cibola National Wildlife Refuge in Yuma, Arizona, on February 22, 2023.
Ingrid Land / 500px / Getty
A view of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, on the island of Kauaʻi, Hawaii
David Patte / Planet Pix / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
Green sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs in the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge on Midway Atoll.
Sylvain Cordier / Gamma-Rapho / Getty
A polar bear walks across snow in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Laura Hedien / Getty
A pod of orcas swims through Uganik Bay in Alaska’s Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge.
Stan Honda / AFP / Getty
A heron wades in shallow water in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville, Florida.
Susan Stocker /
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
/ Tribune News Service / Getty
Phill and Elizabeth Frias walk along the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Palm Beach County, Florida.
VW Pics / Universal Images Group / Getty
Canada geese swim in Lower Klamath Lake, with Mount Shasta in the distance, in California’s Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
Tom Koerner / Planet Pix / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
A coyote hides in reeds while hunting in Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.
KenCanning / iStockphoto / Getty
A snowy owl stands on a beach in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island in Massachusetts.
James R. D. Scott / Getty
A manatee swims through Three Sisters Springs in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Citrus County, Florida.
Peter Pearsall / Planet Pix / ZUMA Wire / Reuters
A tree swallow takes flight from a red-hot-poker bloom in the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex near Eugene, Oregon.
Charlie Riedel / AP
A woman watches snow geese fly over Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Mound City, Missouri.
