The National Wildlife Refuge Association Board of Directors provides expertise, support, and a strategic vision for the organization. They are conservation experts, business leaders, volunteers, and advocates dedicated to our mission to promote, protect, and enhance the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of all Americans.
Each month, we highlight a former or current board member and get their thoughts on current events, how they got involved in the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and what they love about nature and wildlife refuges.
Rebecca Rubin served as Board Chair, was a member of our board for seven years, and remains a passionate advocate for the environment. She lives in Fredericksburg, VA, and continues to work on environmental causes and projects.
How did you get involved in conservation?
RR: I’ve always been an avid outdoors person and nature lover, but my passion for conservation across large landscapes really kicked in with an initiative to help transform former military sites with high biodiversity values across thousands of acres into permanently conserved lands, including national wildlife refuges.
How has the field changed since you got involved?
RR: There’s more awareness that land conservation is essential, both in its own right and as a critical force in the climate fight – and more partnerships are forming to help create a conservation mosaic nationwide. 30 by 30 helps sum that up, unifies it more concertedly, and adds political backing and recognition.
Why do you care about the National Wildlife Refuge System, and why did you get involved with the National Wildlife Refuge Association?
RR: I fell in love with wildlife refuges through my involvement with the land transfers creating the Mountain Longleaf and Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuges, and portions of the Upper Mississippi River and San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuges. This led naturally to joining the National Wildlife Refuge Association board in support of their mission-critical role in protecting and enhancing the national treasure that is the National Wildlife Refuge System.
What do you think about the future of women in the environmental sector?
RR: Women in the environmental movement are still just beginning their journey to break the bias – there’s a long road ahead. This being said, leaders like Interior Secretary Deb Haaland help progress the dialogue significantly while highlighting the role of women in conservation.