Mark your calendars, nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers! It's that time of year again! National Wildlife Refuge Week is just around the corner, and the National Wildlife Refuge Association invites you to join the festivities. This annual celebration, running from October 8th to 14th, is a time to recognize and appreciate the incredible natural treasures that are our national wildlife refuges.
This year, we're gearing up for a week of fun, advocacy, and spreading the word about the National Wildlife Refuge System's vital role in wildlife conservation. The National Wildlife Refuge Association has put together a toolkit packed with everything you need to make this Refuge Week truly special.
Why Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week?
Our national wildlife refuges are more than just beautiful places; they're a testament to conservation and our commitment to protecting the natural world. National wildlife refuges are our nation's greatest defense against climate change. These protected lands and waters offer nature-based solutions for climate resiliency, safeguarding critical ecosystems that sequester carbon and protect our communities from extreme weather events.
As we mark the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, there's never been a more crucial moment to celebrate and support these vital lands and waters set aside specifically for wildlife. National wildlife refuges play a pivotal role in protecting and conserving endangered and threatened animals and plants, ensuring their survival and recovery. They serve as safe havens where these imperiled creatures can find refuge and thrive once more.
Kicking It Off with Urban Wildlife Conservation Day: Celebrating Nature in Your Backyard
While Refuge Week officially starts on October 8th, we're kicking things off with Urban Wildlife Conservation Day on October 7th. This day is all about celebrating the growing connections between our National Wildlife Refuge System and historically underserved communities. It's an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the fantastic nature experiences available right in our own backyards.
Did you know that 80% of Americans live in or near cities? Urban Wildlife Conservation Day reminds us that incredible natural wonders are closer than we think.
Spread the Word About National Wildlife Refuges with Our Toolkit
We invite everyone, from Refuge Friends groups and advocates to congressional members and partner organizations, to join us in celebrating National Wildlife Refuge Week. It's a chance to shine a spotlight on these critical habitats, highlighting their role in protecting biodiversity, offering outdoor recreation, preserving cultural resources, and so much more.
Our toolkit is your one-stop shop for everything you need to help make Refuge Week a success. It's packed with background information, advocacy resources, sample social media posts, eye-catching infographics, and more. Use these materials to help tell the story of our national wildlife refuges and their incredible work protecting biodiversity.
Let's make some noise for our national wildlife refuges during Refuge Week 2023! Refuge Week is about raising awareness of the National Wildlife Refuge System's importance and ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come. Download the toolkit and get ready to celebrate our natural world's beauty, diversity, and resilience.
