WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 27TH, 2025 – The National Wildlife Refuge Association is thrilled to welcome Natalie Balaguer as our new South Florida Regional Partnership Specialist! Based in her home region, Natalie is already making waves across South Florida by reinvigorating partnerships and stewarding exciting conservation initiatives through the Urban Wildlife Refuge Program.

Natalie Balaguer, our new South Florida Regional Partnership Specialist for the Urban Wildlife Refuge Program

Working in close collaboration with the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and local organizations, Natalie is focused on bringing communities together to connect with nature in meaningful, lasting ways. With her roots in South Florida and a background in business administration from Florida Atlantic University, Natalie combines her deep personal ties with professional know-how to strengthen community relationships, engage new audiences, and support conservation efforts on the ground.

“Natalie brings the passion and energy we need to take our South Florida Urban Wildlife Refuge Program work to the next level,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “She’s a connector, a collaborator, and a natural leader—someone who understands the power of place and people. We’re incredibly lucky to have her on board.”

Natalie is building on the strong foundation laid by Liz Figueroa, who helped lay a strong foundation through projects like the Conservation Ranger Camp, Floating Wetlands, and Pocket Refuges. Those programs are already seeing big success: the Floating Wetland installed at SouthTech Academy is thriving, the second annual Conservation Ranger Camp kicks off this spring, and two new Pocket Refuges are set to be planted soon.

In her role, Natalie is building on this momentum while bringing her own vision to the table. She’s partnering with groups like StandFirm Outreach, the Friends of Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to deepen outreach, enhance programming, and celebrate nature across South Florida. She’s also supporting local storytelling—like the powerful film Garden of the Glades—as it reaches new audiences at film festivals and community events throughout the region.

As a first-generation immigrant and proud member of the Hispanic community, Natalie is committed to creating more inclusive pathways to conservation. Her fluency in Spanish and her passion for breaking down barriers make her a vital bridge to South Florida’s diverse communities.

For more information or to connect with Natalie, you can reach her at nbalaguer@refugeassociation.org.

We’re so excited to have Natalie on board—and even more excited about the future of urban conservation in South Florida.

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As the only nonprofit solely dedicated to advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.

For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communications & Marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.