America's National Wildlife Refuges: A Complete Guide

By Russell B. Butcher, Karen Hollingsworth (Photographer), John Hollingsworth (Photographer)

Published for the 100th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge system in 2003, this guide describes each of the more than 530 refuges nationwide, their habitats, the species of birds and mammals to be found there, and general information about accessibility and facilities. It is the most up-to-date, all-in-one guide to the National Wildlife Refuges.

Published by Roberts Rinehart Publishers
Paperback: ISBN 1-57098-379-8
March 2003; $29.95.

Buy now at the NWRA and Friends outlet!

Smithsonian Book of National Wildlife Refuges

By Eric Jay Dolin, Karen Hollingsworth (Photographer), John Hollingsworth (Photographer)

Linking his text with the stunning photographs of John and Karen Hollingsworth, Eric Dolin explores the intriguing history, diverse wildlife, and remarkable landscapes of America's refuges, and reveals an interconnected story of people and nature.

Published by Smithsonian Institution Press
Hardcover: ISBN 1-58834-117-8
March 2003; $39.95.

Buy now at the NWRA and Friends outlet!

America's Wildlife Refuges: Lands of Promise

By Jeanne Clark, Tom & Pat Leeson (Photographers), Jason Stone and Gene Stone (Photographers).

America's Wildlife Refuges portrays numerous wildlife success stories that have occurred within the National Wildlife Refuge System during the last one hundred years. Through evocative text and incredible full-color photography, this magnificent book shares the stories of wildlife species that have dramatically benefited from the protection the NWRS affords. Individual refuges, special management efforts, and people are covered as part of the narrative about a specific animal's story, emphasizing how refuges have made a difference.

Copublished by Carpe Diem Books and Graphic Arts Center Publishing
Hardbound: ISBN 1-55868-751-3, $39.95
Softbound: ISBN 1-55868-753-x, $24.95
October 2003

Buy now at the NWRA and Friends outlet!

Commemorative Binoculars

In honor of the NWR Centennial, Sheltered Wings of Middleton, Wisconsin has produced a Centennial commemorative 8x25 compact binocular imprinted with “National Wildlife Refuges 1903-2003.” Each binocular will be packed with information about the refuge system and will include a case and carrying strap. Protected by the Sheltered Wings USA lifetime warranty. The Pelican binoculars are available for the retail price of $89.00 with a portion of the proceeds being donated to benefit the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Buy now at the NWRA and Friends outlet!

2003 Federal Duck Stamp

The Duck Stamp, also known as the Migratory Bird and Hunting Conservation Stamp, was begun in the mid-1930s in an effort an effort to restore wetlands and waterfowl in America. The stamp, a federal waterfowling license, is purchased not only by waterfowl hunters but also stamp collectors, art enthusiasts, bird watchers and conservationists. In addition, the stamps can also be used to gain admission to any of those National Wildlife Refuges charging entry fees.

Proceeds from the Duck Stamp benefit the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which is used to purchase wetland habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Over the past 70 years, the program has proven to be an effective funding mechanism for the Refuge System, collecting over $500 million and securing more than 5 million acres of wetland habitat.

This year's design, composed by wildlife artist Ron Louque, illustrates two flying Snow Geese over Chincoteague NWR. The stamp, going on sale in July, can be obtained at post offices, national wildlife refuges, select retail and sporting-goods stores nationwide or by visiting http://www.duckstamp.com/.

If you are interested in purchasing the 2003 Duck Stamp as a fine art print, call (434) 975-1864 or http://www.duckstamp03.com/. Please mention this NWRA notice to ensure that a portion of the proceeds is donated to the Association.

United States Postal Service: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Postage Stamp

United States Postal Service has issued a new commemorative postage stamp commemorating the centennial of the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The stamp, featuring a photograph by James D. Brandt, M.D. of a brown pelican will provide Americans with an opportunity to learn more about our natural resources and encourage people to help preserve the beauty and majesty of American wildlife.

Visit the US Postal Service Postal Store to order the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge Pane of 20 stamps with First Day Cover.

National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Medal Series

The United States Mint has announced that it will create a National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Medal Series, which will be available for sale in May. The proceeds from the medal sales will go to the National Wildlife Refuge System's conservation programs.

This U.S. Mint five medal series will feature an image of President Theodore Roosevelt with each reverse featuring a bald eagle, canvasback duck, salmon or elk to represent the diverse wildlife that can be enjoyed due to the conservation efforts of our National Wildlife Refuges.

U.S. Mint press release