U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Where there was once the sound of conflict, there are now nearly 3 million seabirds that fill the skies. Native plants are making a comeback. Invasive species have been pushed back. And a refuge stands as a living tribute to both those who served and the wildlife that now thrives there. Midway reminds us that conservation is not separate from our history. It is part of it. Check out the full story and follow along as the flags continue their journey across the country. fws.gov/apps/story/202…

As part of the Flags Across America initiative for the Freedom 250 celebration, our commemorative flags made a powerful stop at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial. Midway is best known for the pivotal 1942 Battle of Midway, where American service members faced overwhelming odds and changed the course of World War II through courage and sacrifice. 📷Daniel Rapp/USFWS

America’s public lands are places that offer quiet, healing, and connection. Whether it’s a sunrise over the Appalachian Mountains or the quiet of a remote desert canyon, these moments remind us of what service protects. To all who have served, thank you. May these lands continue to offer peace in return. As a small token of our gratitude, Military Passes provides U.S. service members, veterans, and Gold Star Families with free access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks and wildlife refuges. Interior is proud to offer these passes to demonstrate our immense gratitude for those who currently serve and who have served our country. Start your adventure: nps.gov/planyourvisit/… Photo by Chris Mobley

We've got a new Fish of the Week podcast episode for you (S6:E17 - Convict Cichlids & America's "Goldilocks" Waters). Catch a new episode every Monday wherever you get your podcasts or at: fws.gov/fish-of-the-we… 🐟🎣 A Convict Cichlid 📷 Californiafishlover CC-BY NC 4.0

To the volunteers who give their time to America’s public lands and waters, thank you. From wildlife refuges to national parks and working landscapes, you help welcome visitors, support conservation, and protect the places we all share. Your impact is felt everywhere.

*patriotism intensifies*

@claddagh8105 @MindofMunitions

The bald eagle almost disappeared from the lower 48. Now it’s one of the greatest wildlife comebacks in American history. America's 250th birthday hits different when you remember that.

@hoogkerker They love hanging out at those Homer trash cans. Too many good fish carcasses.

@USFWS Here in Alaska the Eagles are dumpster divers

@Pwade88vol @AEFeagles Excellent work!

@USFWS She had a broken shoulder blade and we got her to @AEFeagles for rehab and release.

@USFWS can't the federal government find employees and writer-editors who can speak English properly?

@USFWS Editing out the em dash is nice, but it would be better not to use AI to write America 250 tweets.

@xlmfish Of course. Please enjoy this rare pull. The mighty bowfin. This one was found in the Detroit River.

@USFWS We would like to see more pictures of fish, please? 😍🐟

🦅In 1972, DDT was banned in the U.S. 🦅In 1973, the Endangered Species Act became law, offering new protections and funding for eagle recovery. 🦅USFWS, partners and communities launched nationwide conservation efforts: monitoring nests, reintroducing eagles to historic ranges, and protecting critical habitats. You can read the full story here: fws.gov/story/very-ame…

@USFWS How was this achieved?

@universalruth There's only so many characters on X posts. If you want the full story about the bald eagle comeback, including the part about dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, check out more details here. fws.gov/story/very-ame…

Click through. Short 🧵nice pics @USFWS fails to mention at any time that the "American" thing we did to fix the problem was ban DDT that was causing eggshell weakness and chick death.

@USFWS Absolutely 🦅. 🇺🇸

@ltsfullofstars Love watching those little fluffballs. youtube.com/watch?v=7OFQQu…

@USFWS 😍🇺🇸 The live nest cams with little eaglets are the sweetest things ever! 🥹🦅❤️

@stevencwelsh Kettle. Black.

@MargyWithAY Never gets old.

@USFWS In MO earlier this spring … and today watching two mature birds and one immature fly around

Photos 1 and 2 by Gordon Garcia/USFWS. Photo 3 taken at Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge by Douglas Croft/STE Discover more about this VERY American bird: fws.gov/story/very-ame…

Communities stepped up. We chose to protect something that represents all of us. And it worked. Today, there are more than 71,000 nesting pairs across the lower 48 states. That’s not just a wildlife success story. That’s a values story. #Freedom250