America’s national wildlife refuges offer unparalleled opportunities to experience the great outdoors and see a rich diversity of wildlife in beautiful natural settings. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, refuges that normally charge entrance fees will offer free admission on these days in 2016:

• January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• February 13-15 – Presidents’ Day Weekend
• September 24 – National Public Lands Day
• October 9 – First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week
• November 11-13 – Veterans Day weekend

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the nation’s premier habitat conservation network. The system encompasses more than 150 million acres in 563 refuges and 38 wetland management districts. Approximately 47 million people visited a wildlife refuge last year. Most refuges admit the public free year-round, but a few charge a small entrance fee.

“National wildlife refuges are American treasures — public lands dedicated to the conservation of native wildlife and their habitats,” said Refuge System Chief Cynthia Martinez. “Refuges protect species as diverse as alligators, whooping cranes, and monarch butterflies. They also provide unique places to hunt, fish, observe nature, and simply enjoy the outdoors.”

Click here to locate a national wildlife refuge near you.

Photograph: White pelicans wintering at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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