March 14, 2003, marks a milestone in the history of wildlife conservation in America - the 100th birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt set aside a tiny island off the east coast of Florida for the protection of pelicans and other species of birds from market hunters. The protection of five-acre Pelican Island was the start of a system of lands that today encompasses more than 93 million acres and more than 560 national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts, with at least one located in every state and U.S. territory.
As the land management arm of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Refuge System helps fulfill a critical part of the agency's mission: to conserve the nature of America by protecting fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. More than 35 million Americans visit national wildlife refuges each year to enjoy unique outdoor recreation and education experiences.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's plans for the centennial celebration include showcasing the National Wildlife Refuge System to build broader public understanding and appreciation for these conservation lands and their value to society. Much has already been accomplished to lay the foundation for our celebration. Congress has declared year 2003 as "The Year of the National Wildlife Refuge" and the President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to conduct appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities to accomplish the goal of such a year.
You are invited to help us
celebrate a century of conservation. If you are a photo buff, click onto
our guidelines for photo submittal for information on our nationwide search
for photos taken on national wildlife refuges
that will grace the 2003 National Wildlife Refuge System Commemorative
Calendar. This call for photos begins February 1, 2001 and ends October
1, 2001. Or, click onto our special events link to find out what is happening
at a refuge near you.
national Special Events database