The National Wildlife Refuge Association Postpones The 2020 Refuge System Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 13, 2020) –

Due to concerns related to COVID-19, the National Wildlife Refuge Association is postponing the Refuge Awards scheduled for April 2, 2020.  In the wake of the cancellation, the Refuge Association will begin planning for the 2020 Refuge System Awards to be held at a later date.

“We did not come to this decision lightly, but we will always put the health and welfare of our supporters, local and out-of-town participants, volunteers, partners, and our staff as our highest priority,” said Geoffrey Haskett, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and will begin planning for the 2020 Refuge System Awards to be held later in this year.”

Since 1994, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has helped to honor the outstanding accomplishments by refuge managers, refuge employees, volunteers, Friends groups, and refuge advocates through our Refuge System Awards program. The National Wildlife Refuge System depends on the dedication of its exceptional workforce and the devotion of its volunteers, Friends groups and advocates in order to manage the world’s largest network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife conservation.

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The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge Association is to conserve America’s wildlife heritage for future generations through strategic programs that protect, enhance, and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System and the landscapes beyond its boundaries that secure its ecological integrity. For more information, visit www.refugeassociation.org or contact Courtney Lewis, National Wildlife Refuge Association, 202-417-3803.