THE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE ASSOCIATION’S
2023 WILDLIFE REFUGE AWARDS:
INSPIRING LEADERSHIP IN CONSERVATION
Since 1994, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has presented the Wildlife Refuge Awards to honor the outstanding contributions of Refuge employees, friends, and volunteers. The event celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of awardees in five categories: the Paul Kroegel Refuge Manager of the Year, the Refuge Employee of the Year, the Refuge Volunteer of the Year, the Molly Krival Refuge Friends Group of the Year, and the Refuge Advocate.
Celebrate with Department of the Interior dignitaries, members of Congress, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, members of Refuge Friends organizations, volunteers at national wildlife refuges, conservation partners, and wildlife lovers. Hear the stories of our awardees’ amazing contributions. Be inspired by the collective work we do.
Proceeds from the evening support the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s ongoing work of protecting, promoting, and enhancing the National Wildlife Refuge System, an unparalleled network of public lands and waters solely dedicated to providing for America’s wildlife populations.
OUR 2023 Wildlife Refuge AWARDs RECIPIENTS
From left, Joyce Atkinson, Mark Ackerman, Rebekah Martin, Kendra Foust (Friends of Ottawa NWR), Brad Pendley
Mark Ackerman & Joyce Atkinson— Refuge Volunteers of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments of a volunteer, or volunteers, in support of the operation and management of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Mark Ackerman and Joyce Atkinson, volunteers at the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado; Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Nevada; and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon are the recipients of the 2023 Refuge Volunteers of the Year Award.
Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge— Molly Krival Award – Refuge Friends Group of the Year
This award recognizes the outstanding contributions made by a non-profit “Refuge Friends” organization in support of their national wildlife refuge and the National Wildlife Refuge System. Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio is the 2023 Molly Krival Award – Refuge Friends Group of the Year.
Brad Pendley— Refuge Employee of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding work of the men and women employed by the National Wildlife Refuge System. The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to select Brad Pendley, for his work as Wildlife Biologist at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri, as the recipient of the 2023 Refuge Employee of the Year Award.
Rebekah Martin— Paul Kroegel Award – Refuge Manager of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments by a Refuge Manager or Project Leader in the protection and management of our national wildlife refuges. The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to award Rebekah Martin of Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuge Complex, North Carolina, with the 2023 Paul Kroegel Award –Refuge Manager of the Year.
Thank You To Our 2023 Sponsors
Members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums share a common mission and passion with the National Wildlife Refuge System – the conservation of wildlife and wild places that inspire a wonder for nature in our visitors. From red wolves to manatees, from burying beetles to sea turtles, from black-footed ferrets to California condors, AZA members and National Wildlife Refuges have a long history of working to conserve endangered species. We are proud to sponsor the 2023 National Wildlife Refuge System awards that recognize the dedicated public servants who lead and manage the world’s largest system of protected lands and waters for wildlife! Thank You!
Mark Ackerman and Joyce Atkinson, the dynamic conservation ambassadors, have left an indelible mark on numerous national wildlife refuges, showcasing their unparalleled dedication and unwavering commitment. Supporting the purposes of 11 national wildlife refuges, including Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado, Desert National Wildlife Refuge Complex in Nevada, and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, they have volunteered over 10,000 hours of their time in the past seven years. This extraordinary feat speaks volumes about their unwavering commitment and dedication to supporting refuge programs. Their exceptional contributions have earned them the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award for the 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards presented by the National Wildlife Refuge Association.