All three sacked employees from the Heinz refuge were under the one-year mark in employment. One of them —a bio-technology worker —was just two weeks shy of a full year of service.
National Wildlife Refuge Association Celebrates 50 Years of Conservation
2025 marks a momentous milestone for the National Wildlife Refuge Association: 50 years of unwavering support for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Since 1975, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has been the only independent voice solely dedicated to protecting the largest network of lands and waters in the world dedicated to wildlife conservation. For five decades, the Refuge Association has led the charge, uniting passionate individuals, Refuge Friends groups, and policymakers to rally around this system of public lands and waters to ensure its protection for generations to come.
National Wildlife Refuge Association Celebrates the First-Ever National Wildlife Refuge System Employee Appreciation Day
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to announce the inaugural National Wildlife Refuge System Employee Appreciation Day on December 17, 2024. This special day is dedicated to honoring the tireless efforts of the employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System who care for America’s 573 national wildlife refuges and marine national monuments, spanning over 95 million acres of land and 760 million acres of marine areas.
Connecting With The Annual Christmas Bird Count
The 125th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is here! Running from December 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this beloved tradition invites bird lovers to join one of the world’s longest-running wildlife surveys. Organized by the National Audubon Society, the CBC began in 1900 as a conservation-friendly alternative to holiday bird hunts. Many national wildlife refuges fall within CBC count circles, making it a fun and meaningful way to support wildlife and collect valuable bird data. Join a local count or tally birds from your feeder and contribute to understanding bird populations around your favorite refuge!
Bipartisan Resolution Honors National Wildlife Refuge Week
he National Wildlife Refuge Association expresses its deep appreciation to Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing a Senate resolution to designate the week of October 13-19, 2024, as National Wildlife Refuge Week. This resolution celebrates the significant role that national wildlife refuges play in wildlife conservation, supporting local communities, and offering diverse recreational opportunities for the public.
Welcome To The Willamette Valley Conservation Area: The 572nd Jewel in the National Wildlife Refuge System
Discover the newest addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Willamette Valley Conservation Area in Oregon. As part of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, this conservation area is home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, and oak woodlands, which support a wide range of wildlife, such as the Dusky Canada Goose and Fender’s Blue Butterfly. Learn about the collaborative efforts, including contributions from tribal nations, to protect and restore these vital habitats. Although not yet open to the public, future plans promise opportunities for people to connect with nature in this remarkable landscape.
Turtles in Trouble: Giving Leatherback Sea Turtles A Fighting Chance
Leatherback Sea Turtles, the largest turtles in the world, are facing significant threats from climate change, habitat loss, and artificial lighting. These ocean giants, known for their incredible migration journeys, rely on a few crucial nesting sites to lay their eggs. The Refuge System plays a vital role in protecting these habitats. Discover how you can help protect Leatherback Sea Turtles and support our conservation initiatives.
Robert Luna Honored As 2024 Refuge Employee Of The Year For His Outstanding Service At Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge
Robert Luna, an Engineering Equipment Operator at Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge in Washington, has been named the 2024 Refuge Employee of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This award recognizes Robert's exceptional contributions to the refuge, highlighting his innovation, outstanding job performance, and dedication to wildlife conservation.
Wayne Selfridge Honored As 2024 Refuge Volunteer Of The Year For His Exemplary Service At Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
Wayne Selfridge, a dedicated volunteer at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Maine, has been named the 2024 Refuge Volunteer of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This award recognizes Wayne's outstanding contributions to the operation and management of the refuge, highlighting his extraordinary commitment, leadership, and innovative problem-solving.
Okefenokee Protection Alliance Honored As Refuge Advocate Of The Year For 2024
The Okefenokee Protection Alliance (OPA) has been named the 2024 Refuge Advocate of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This award recognizes OPA's extraordinary accomplishments in protecting the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia from the threat of mining operations and their unwavering commitment to conservation.