Even in winter, national wildlife refuges hold pleasures for nature lovers. Look for surprises, too: ducks and geese in profusion, a furtive red fox darting past, animal prints stamped clearly in the ground, the creaking of trees in the cold. Try exploring some trails by snowshoe. Or take a wildlife tour … on a horse-drawn sleigh. Whatever your mode of transportation, national wildlife refuges will make the outing special.

Sleigh ride and elk, National Elk Refuge, Lori Iverson, USFWS

Here at Wandering Educators, we LOVE National Wildlife Refuges. We've shared How (and Why) to Include National Wildlife Refuges in your Travel Plans and a Kaleidescope of Color at National Wildlife Refuges, among other articles here.

This winter, warm up at one of a host of special refuge events – from wreath-making workshops to wildlife presentations.

Tree cutting at Kenai Peninsula by Matt Bowser, USFWS

Visit a refuge and make the most of this special time of year, and learn how the Refuge System is protecting your natural heritage. Click through the links below to see events at a National Wildlife Refuge near you (or on your travels!).

December 2013 Events

January 2014 Events

February 2014 Events (including a Groundhog Day Winter Festival!)

American Bald Eagle by George Gentry, USFWS

Where is your favorite National Wildlife Refuge? Are you making any holiday plans to visit one?