Is there any interest in information or accumulating a database on the national wildlife refuges? I usually try to visit those that are in or around the areas I travel. Some of them have camping facilities, such as at the Wichita Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma (which I visit often).

Have visited refuges in New Mexico, Oregon, OK and Texas.

Try this website. It might be just what you are looking for.

http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/bystate.cfm

Ed

Thanks, Ed. I wasn't really looking for information; rather, offering. As a biologist and naturalist, I always try to visit refuges (as well as parks and forests) when I travel. Will be semi-retiring next spring and probably working at refuges/parks/forests during summers in the northern states. If there was interest in the refuges, I would be happy to help with a database or separate sub-category.

Are there refuges located conveniently for day trips from national forest/grassland campgrounds? Do any have interpretive programs? Generally, what type entity operate refuges - public, private, non-profits?

Most of the refuges are public; either state or national (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). Many of the national refuges are also clustered near national parks or forests. An exception is in Texas because so little land is in the national public domain. However, as another example, TX Parks and Wildlife oversees a large wildlife refuge within a few miles of the Big Bend National Park.

Many of the larger wildlife refuges are very active in interpretive programs, field days, educational workshops, etc. A few examples are Sevillita and Bosque del Apache NWR in New Mexico, Malhuer NWR in Oregon, Wichita NWR in Oklahoma. The driving force behind these events are collaborative efforts of the regional and local refuge staff and associated volunteer organizations (referred to as 'Friends of...').

Most of the larger refuges have visitor centers with very informative and education displays, brochures, and other educational media. These centers are also a collaborative effort of the agency, their affiliate Friends of organization, and seasonal volunteers (both camp hosts and work force).

I will be visiting a relatively new NWR in north Texas for a weekend later this month. I typically post a travelogue on my blog site of those I visit.