News
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Shampa Panda-Bryant to its Board of Directors. She brings a wealth of experience to the Refuge Association, with a focus on natural resource regulations and wildlife conservation. Her expertise will be a valuable asset.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, is the only service within the federal government whose sole mission is the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of habitat – meaning the places wildlife need to survive. Resident within these refuges are the last great migrating herds of caribou, humpback and right whales, polar bear, grizzlies, rare orchids and hummingbirds, elk, moose and river otter. Closer to home, the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge covers almost the entire Connecticut shoreline. Included are many nearshore islands, salt marshes and riverine ecosystems. Contiguous marine areas benefit through reduced pollution.
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.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional Partnership Specialist to join our Urban Wildlife Refuge Program team in South Florida. This full-time position will play a key role in expanding the reach of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge’s Urban Program, fostering community engagement, building partnerships, and promoting wildlife conservation across diverse urban communities.
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.
