News
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.
The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, a dynamic and dedicated Refuge Friends organization, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Molly Krival Award – Refuge Friends Group of the Year. This honor recognizes their outstanding contributions to community engagement and conservation at Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/hackmatack), which spans Illinois and Wisconsin.
Robert Luna knows Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge better than anyone else. As an engineering equipment operator for more than 33 years, Luna has dedicated his life to maintaining the refuge and improving its habitat for plants and animals. In recognition of his innovation, passion, and diligence, Luna was named the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s Refuge Employee of the Year.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is announcing the upcoming departure of President Geoffrey Haskett, initiating a search for his successor. Haskett, who has served as President for the past seven years and has been based in Grants Pass, Oregon for the last two years, will be stepping down. The Board has decided to relocate the President position to the Washington, D.C. area. While the exact date of Haskett's departure is still to be determined, he has committed to collaborating with the Board to ensure a seamless transition. The position will be advertised shortly, inviting qualified candidates to apply.
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.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is thrilled to share the success of the recent Cops and Bobbers fishing program, a collaborative effort by Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Groundwork Elizabeth, and the Elizabeth Police Department, under our Urban Wildlife Refuge Program in the Northeast. This exciting event introduced over 50 youth summer campers to fishing and archery for the first time, fostering connections with nature and community. Dive into the full story to see how we're making a difference!
We are excited to announce the recipient of the 2024 O'Brien Prize for Refuge Friends grantees, the Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge! This annual prize recognizes the outstanding contributions of Refuge Friends groups whose projects foster deeper connections with their communities while enhancing the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
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, 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.
