Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge

Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge Shawangunk (Shon-gum) Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge protects 598 acres of grassland habitat The restroom is open.
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Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, which protects 598 acres in Ulster County, NY, was established in July 1999 to support grassland-dependent migratory birds and wintering raptors. With views of the majestic Shawangunk Ridge, the refuge is among a dwindling number of sites in New York State (one of only two sites in the Hudson Valley) large enough to support the entire assemblage of n

ortheastern grassland birds. The refuge has been identified as a Biodiversity Focus Area and an Important Bird Area (Audubon New York), a designation given only to places that support significant abundance and diversity of birds. Many of the birds found on the refuge are included on lists of endangered, threatened, special concern or priority species, including the short-eared owl, northern harrier, upland sandpiper, Henslow’s sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, vesper sparrow, horned lark, and bobolink. It will be cleaned and sanitized three times per week, but use of the restroom is at your own risk during Covid. Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the property.

Many species choose the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge to raise their young, including this Eastern King...
06/11/2026

Many species choose the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge to raise their young, including this Eastern Kingbird seen tending to its nest (photo credit: Susan Logan Ward).

It's not just birds making the migration back to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, but butterflies as ...
06/05/2026

It's not just birds making the migration back to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, but butterflies as well! This Monarch butterfly was recently observed on the refuge, be sure to keep an eye out for them (photo credit: Susan Logan Ward)!

Please be aware that turtles, like these painted turtles, are on the move now across the refuge driveway and other local...
05/28/2026

Please be aware that turtles, like these painted turtles, are on the move now across the refuge driveway and other local roads. Please be vigilant while driving to ensure the best chance of survival for these reptiles as they move across the landscape (photo credit: Susan Logan Ward).

Another Spring arrival to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (photo credit:...
05/14/2026

Another Spring arrival to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge is the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (photo credit: Susan Logan Ward).

This Eastern Phoebe has been observed searching for a suitable nest location, with the top candidate appearing to be the...
05/08/2026

This Eastern Phoebe has been observed searching for a suitable nest location, with the top candidate appearing to be the refuge maintenance building (photo credit: Susan Logan Ward).

Another colorful, seasonal arrival to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, the Northern Yellow Warbler (p...
04/30/2026

Another colorful, seasonal arrival to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, the Northern Yellow Warbler (photo credit: Susan Logan Ward).

This male American Goldfinch is one of the colorful new arrivals to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge (...
04/27/2026

This male American Goldfinch is one of the colorful new arrivals to the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge (photo credit: Susan Logan Ward).

Chipping sparrows have been recently observed at the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge along the refuge dri...
04/24/2026

Chipping sparrows have been recently observed at the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge along the refuge driveway (photo credit: Susan Logan Ward).

Beauty from the ashes! Seeing a blackened field might look stark at first, but look closer. The ash left behind acts as ...
04/23/2026

Beauty from the ashes! Seeing a blackened field might look stark at first, but look closer. The ash left behind acts as a natural fertilizer, waking up dormant seeds for an explosion of native wildflowers and grasses. This "tender new growth" is a high-protein feast for pollinators, birds, and deer!

We’re here on the refuge until noon with the Friends of Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge Spring Fling!
04/19/2026

We’re here on the refuge until noon with the Friends of Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge Spring Fling!

Address

902 Hoagerburgh Road
Wallkill, NY
12589

Telephone

+19737027266

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