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The National Wildlife Refuge System Is in Crisis — Here’s How You Can Help

The National Wildlife Refuge System Is in Crisis — Here’s How You Can Help

Wildlife refuges are in crisis. Learn what’s happening and how you can help protect them—before it’s too late.

We’re Hiring: Urban Community Engagement Specialist

We’re Hiring: Urban Community Engagement Specialist

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is seeking a passionate and community-focused Urban Community Engagement Specialist to support the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Urban Wildlife Conservation Program in the Northeast through our Urban Wildlife Refuge Program.

$500 Million for Refuge Disaster Relief—Thanks to Your Advocacy!

$500 Million for Refuge Disaster Relief—Thanks to Your Advocacy!

Big news for national wildlife refuges! Congressional leaders just released a funding bill to keep the government running through March 14, 2025 (coincidentally the anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System!). But even more exciting, this bill includes $500 million for disaster relief to repair national wildlife refuges damaged by hurricanes, floods, and severe storms.

Connecting With The Annual Christmas Bird Count

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!

National Wildlife Refuge System Nears Collapse

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.

Turtles in Trouble: Giving Leatherback Sea Turtles A Fighting Chance

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.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Conservationists: New Internship Program at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Nurturing the Next Generation of Conservationists: New Internship Program at Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Catawba College, establishing a unique internship program at the breathtaking Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina. This collaboration embodies a shared commitment to cultivating the next generation of conservation leaders and safeguarding the future of our natural treasures.

Landmark Expansion For 4 National Wildlife Refuges With Help From The National Wildlife Refuge Association

Landmark Expansion For 4 National Wildlife Refuges With Help From The National Wildlife Refuge Association

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently shared some good news for conservation efforts throughout the United States. Four national wildlife refuges have been expanded, protecting up to 1.13 million acres of newly protected wildlife habitat across New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas. This announcement is particularly exciting for the National Wildlife Refuge Association, which played a significant role in expanding two critical refuges in Texas - Aransas and Big Boggy NWRs. The other two refuges that received expansions are Roanoke River NWR in North Carolina and Muleshoe NWR, which spans the border between New Mexico and Texas.

President Geoffrey Haskett Champions BIDEH Rule & Funding For National Wildlife Refuges

President Geoffrey Haskett Champions BIDEH Rule & Funding For National Wildlife Refuges

President Geoffrey Haskett of the National Wildlife Refuge Association testified before Congress on the proposed revisions to the Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups: Apply Today!

 The 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups: Apply Today!

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is excited to announce the opening of the application period for our 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups. The O’Brien Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding achievement by Refuge Friends groups in support of the National Wildlife Refuge System.