Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge located at the foot of the Shawangunk mountains in Ulster County, New York north of the bustling Big Apple. Refuge History: During World War II the land that is now Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge was used as a military base. Since that time it has been owned by West Point Military Academy and leased to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The grassland was a wetland until it was filled with dirt in the 1940’s to create a runway. The land was transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service in 1999. Wildlife: Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the home of numerous wild critters including northern herriers, owls, bobolinks, sprarrows, meadowlarks, and many others. Please treat their home with respect. For the lover of the outdoors this refuge boasts awesome opportunities for wildlife observation. Come on out and have a blast!