Announcing Our 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards: Honoring Awardees For Outstanding Conservation Achievements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUNE 3RD, 2024 –  Within the heart of America’s national wildlife refuges lies a commitment to nature and conservation that is essential for the well-being of our communities. The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards, recognizing the exceptional contributions made to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managed National Wildlife Refuge System.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of these prestigious awards, celebrating the heroes of our National Wildlife Refuge System, and leading up to the National Wildlife Refuge Association's 50th anniversary next year.

We Are Thrilled To Announce The Following Recipients Of The 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards:

• David Lucas, Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Two Ponds, and Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuges, Colorado - Paul Kroegel Award - Refuge Manager of the Year

• Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, Illinois/Wisconsin - Molly Krival Award - Refuge Friends Group of the Year

• Okefenokee Protection Alliance for their work at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia - Refuge Advocate of the Year

• Wayne Selfridge, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Maine - Refuge Volunteer of the Year

• Robert Luna, Engineering Equipment Operator, Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge, Washington - Refuge Employee of the Year

These remarkable individuals and groups have demonstrated exceptional dedication and made significant contributions to the conservation and enhancement of America’s national wildlife refuges. Their invaluable efforts deserve our highest praise and recognition.

The 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards ceremony and celebration will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed, ensuring that the celebration reaches a wider audience.

Keynote Speakers:

• Sally Jewell: Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior in the Obama Administration

• Lynn Scarlett: Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Interior in the Bush Administration

Master of Ceremonies:

• Wayne Hubbard: Host & Producer of Urban American Outdoors

“The dedication and efforts of this year's awardees highlight the enduring legacy and promising future of our national wildlife refuges,” said Geoffrey L. Haskett, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “Their dedication and passion ensure that these vital natural habitats will be conserved for generations to come. Especially in this election year, it is essential to remember that national wildlife refuges are a bipartisan priority. We can all agree that healthy wildlife populations and thriving landscapes are fundamental to the beauty and vitality of America.”

For sponsorship opportunities and benefits or to learn more about attending the event, please contact Courtney Phelan, Director of Development at cphelan@refugeassociation.org or visit refugeassociation.org/awards. 

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The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a non-profit exclusively focused on protecting, promoting, and enhancing the 850-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife conservation.

For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Communications Manager at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.