We've shared our passion for National Wildlife Refuges, in How (and Why) to Include National Wildlife Refuges in your Travel Plans. Time for some new goodness from our friends at the US National Wildlife Refuges - REALLY cool events. Click through to find some in your area (or your travels!).

Owl prowls and wolf howls. Sandhill crane festivals and turkey walks. Fall events on national wildlife refuges offer lots of free or low-cost seasonal fun in natural settings dressed in red, orange and gold, courtesy of sweet gum, maple, beech and cottonwood trees.

Visit a refuge and make the most of this colorful time of year.  

See migrating birds or bugling elk. Learn about other seasonal wonders. Take a hike or go fishing. Learn how the Refuge System is protecting your natural heritage.

A young nature lover sees a photo op at Edwin B. Forsythe Refuge in New Jersey/USFWS

November:

A sandhill crane touches down at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico. The refuge’s celebrated Festival of the Cranes runs Nov. 19-24.

Photo: Marvin de Jong

November Events

December

Visitors hear endangered red wolves howl at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, NC. This year’s “Holiday Howl” takes place December 7 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Full Moon Howls take place on November 16 and December 7.

December 2013 Events

January

A horse-drawn sleigh ride past wintering elk in National Elk Refuge in Wyoming is a seasonal treat. Sleigh rides begin December 16 and run through April 5. Details: http://1.usa.gov/1646lhY

Photo: Lori Iverson/USFWS

January 2014 Events
 

The National Wildlife Refuge System protects wildlife and wildlife habitat on more than 150 million acres of land and water from the Caribbean to the Pacific, Maine to Alaska. Refuges also improve human health, provide outdoor recreation and support local economies. Learn more at www.fws.gov/refuges.

All photos courtesy and copyright National Wildlife Refuge System