News
As the days grow shorter and a chill creeps into the air, nature begins its enchanting transformation, heralding the arrival of autumn. For the National Wildlife Refuge System, this season brings a unique charm, a time when wildlife and landscapes prepare for the colder months. Here, we delve into the splendid signs of autumn that grace our national wildlife refuges, where the beauty of nature meets its vibrant, resplendent side.
It’s time to celebrate because it’s National Wildlife Refuge Week! Nationwide, we highlight and share the numerous wonders and significance of the National Wildlife Refuge System throughout the second full week of October annually. In celebration of Refuge Week, two major events have occurred further emphasizing the importance of national wildlife refuges: the Department of Interior marked two new locations as national wildlife refuges in Wyoming and Tennessee and the introduction of congressional resolutions designating the week of October 8th to 14th to be National Wildlife Refuge Week. How amazing! If you haven’t had a chance yet, the National Wildlife Refuge Association invites you to celebrate Refuge Week with us by downloading our toolkit and spreading the word about the Refuge System!
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. Download our toolkit and get involved.
During our Refuges For Recovery campaign, we highlight one of the Endangered Species Act's most iconic success stories: the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). Not too long ago, these elusive creatures teetered on the brink of extinction, with only a handful left in the wild. Today, we're proud to say that the black-footed ferret population is steadily growing, thanks to the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of conservationists, scientists, and the National Wildlife Refuge System.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2023 O'Brien Prize for Refuge Friends. This annual honor recognizes the outstanding efforts of Refuge Friends Groups, who work tirelessly to protect and enhance the natural wonders of our national wildlife refuges.
The Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, nestled along the picturesque shores of Cape Cod, is renowned for its natural beauty and its role in conserving the region's delicate ecosystems. However, a looming threat, driven by climate change, now imperils this invaluable refuge. Erosion, accelerated by rising sea levels, is rapidly reshaping the landscape, challenging the very existence of the refuge's headquarters in Chatham.
Step into a realm of untamed beauty and ecological wonder, where the symphony of nature's rhythms unfold in perfect harmony. Welcome to Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, an extraordinary sanctuary located on the Alaska Peninsula’s southern coast. In the safety of this national wildlife refuge that hosts an unparalleled diversity of life among its abundant eelgrass beds, the Pacific black brant finds its seasonal haven. As stewards of the land, we invite you to discover the hidden treasures of this fragile ecosystem and the urgent need to safeguard it.
In the grand symphony of nature, migratory animals take center stage, dancing to the rhythm of ancient patterns. Imagine the tales whispered in the winds as they traverse the vastness between breeding and wintering grounds. These tales are etched along the pathways known as migration flyways, intricate threads that weave through the aerial realm, guiding the delicate flight of insects and the majestic journey of birds.
At the National Wildlife Refuge Association, we take great pride in supporting conservation initiatives that not only protect national wildlife refuges but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage intertwined with these special public lands dedicated to wildlife. The 2022 O'Brien Prize, awarded to the Friends of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, exemplifies the extraordinary efforts put forth by dedicated individuals who are committed to honoring and preserving the legacy of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi.
As we embrace the spirit of Latino Conservation Week, we come together to honor and pay homage to the invaluable contributions made by the Latino community in our shared endeavor to conserve and protect wildlife and wild lands across the country. This year, we proudly support the congressional resolution proposing the official designation of the third week of July as Latino Conservation Week, introduced by Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) this week. Through this symbolic gesture, we signal our commitment to fostering sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and safeguarding the future of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
