Today, the National Wildlife Refuge System is celebrating its 118th birthday – and everyone is invited to join in the fun.

On this date in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian, Florida. The refuge was created to provide a haven for wading birds such as snowy egrets, and protect a critical rookery for species including the brown pelican and wood stork. Take a hike virtual hike on Pelican Island NWR's Centennial trail >>

It is incredible to think that the protection of a 5.5-acre island at the turn of the 20th century kicked off the creation of the largest system of protected areas in the world—the National Wildlife Refuge System. Today, 568 million acres of lands and waters are protected under the Refuge System.

What makes our national wildlife refuges so special is that they have been and always will belong to us. The public can enjoy world-class bird watching, hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, photography, and much more on our nation’s national wildlife refuges. National wildlife refuges are also extremely accessible–most cities are within a one-hour drive.

National wildlife refuges truly are an American treasure. There’s no better way to celebrate the Refuge System’s birthday than by heading outside and visiting your local refuge. We know that these times have been challenging, so we are hopeful and looking forward to what 2021 may bring for our National Wildlife Refuge System. Check out what we are looking forward to on national wildlife refuges in 2021 >>