News
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.
Dan Ashe, a lifelong hunter, emeritus board member of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, calls for Maryland to join the movement towards responsible hunting practices. His recent article in The Baltimore Sun highlights the critical issue of lead ammunition's harmful effects on both wildlife and public health.
New Mexico, known as the "Land of Enchantment," captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, never-ending sunsets, and rich natural and cultural heritage. Recently, the National Wildlife Refuge Association's board and staff embarked on an inspiring journey to the heart of this enchanting state. The mission: to explore and gain insights from two exceptional national wildlife refuges - Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge.
Dive into an insightful guest blog by Lynn Scarlett, a board member of the National Wildlife Refuge Association and former Deputy Secretary of the Interior. Explore the importance of collaborative conservation efforts and how they're shaping a sustainable future for our natural world. Lynn sheds light on why coming together to solve environmental challenges is more crucial than ever.
Recently Donal “Don” O’Brien, III died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 24, 2022, after a courageous 10-year battle with a progressive neurological illness. As a former board member, Don was always one of the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s greatest supporters and was instrumental in making the Refuge Association a far more effective and powerful organization. We owe so much to Don for what he accomplished for the National Wildlife Refuge System and our work for it. You can read more and send condolences through his online obituary here or leave a comment below.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association Board of Directors provides expertise, support, and a strategic vision for the organization. They are conservation experts, business leaders, volunteers, and advocates dedicated to our mission to protect, promote, and enhance the National Wildlife Refuge System for the benefit of all Americans. Cheryl Hart is a Refuge Friends aficionado and currently serves on the National Wildlife Refuge’s Board and as the organization’s chair of the Friends Committee. Cheryl is also active in her local Refuge Friends group, Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, and is on the board of NWRA’s partner Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates.
Each month, we highlight a former or current board member and get their thoughts on current events, how they got involved in National Wildlife Refuge Association, and what they love about nature and wildlife refuges.
Wayne Hubbard is the host and producer of Emmy-nominated Urban American Outdoors TV and has spent his career bringing outdoor recreation opportunities to urban audiences around the country for decades.
Rebecca Rubin was a member of our board for seven years and remains a passionate advocate for the environment. She lives in Fredericksburg, VA, and continues to work on environmental causes and projects.
Each month, we highlight a former or current board member and get their thoughts on current events, how they got involved with the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and what they love about nature and wildlife refuges.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 2021 Annual Report is here, download the full report.
For 46 years, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has worked to support the National Wildlife Refuge System (, our country’s extraordinary network of over 850 million acres of lands and waters set aside for wildlife and their habitats. After nearly 2 years, the pandemic continues to disrupt normal operations everywhere and national wildlife refuges across the country are no exception. Even so, with the help of our incredible supporters and dynamic board and staff, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has adapted to meet these challenges, and we are stronger and more resilient than ever. None of our successes would be possible without our donors and supporters.
