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National Wildlife Refuge System

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Bipartisan Resolution Honors National Wildlife Refuge Week

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Bipartisan Resolution Honors National Wildlife Refuge Week

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.

Welcome To The Willamette Valley Conservation Area: The 572nd Jewel in the National Wildlife Refuge System

Welcome To The Willamette Valley Conservation Area: The 572nd Jewel in the National Wildlife Refuge System

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.

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.

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National Wildlife Refuge Expo 2023: A Celebration of Conservation on Capitol Hill

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National Wildlife Refuge Expo 2023: A Celebration of Conservation on Capitol Hill

On Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, the halls of the Rayburn Office Building on Capitol Hill echoed with the enthusiastic celebration of wildlife conservation at the National Wildlife Refuge Expo. Back from a few years' hiatus during and following COVID, from 10 am to 2 pm, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, from a captivating live raptor display to adult coloring sessions, all while learning about the vital work happening within the Refuge System.

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Extraordinary Volunteer Duo Enhances Wildlife Refuges with Passion and Dedication In The Western United States

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Extraordinary Volunteer Duo Enhances Wildlife Refuges with Passion and Dedication In The Western United States

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.

Celebrating Endangered Species Day: Nurturing Wildlife in the National Wildlife Refuge System

Celebrating Endangered Species Day: Nurturing Wildlife in the National Wildlife Refuge System

Happy Endangered Species Day! On this special day dedicated to endangered species, we gather to celebrate the profound significance of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act—a milestone that underscores our commitment to protecting and preserving our imperiled wildlife. As we explore the importance of these national wildlife refuges, we find inspiration in the teachings of those who have urged us to embrace a land ethic—a transformative perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness and intrinsic value of all species. Let us delve into the significance of the Refuge System and the crucial role it plays in nurturing species, especially those threatened and endangered.

Happy 120th Birthday National Wildlife Refuge System!

Happy 120th Birthday National Wildlife Refuge System!

Happy 120th Birthday to the National Wildlife Refuge System! Today, we celebrate the incredible accomplishment of creating and maintaining over 560 national wildlife refuges throughout the United States, which provide vital habitats for wildlife, offer outdoor recreation opportunities, and serve as outdoor laboratories for scientific research.

CARE Launches New Website To Fund National Wildlife Refuges

CARE Launches New Website To Fund National Wildlife Refuges

The Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE) is proud to announce the release of our new website, https://www.fundwildliferefuges.com/. As the chair of the coalition, the National Wildlife Refuge Association is excited to unveil this new platform for the benefit of increased funding and support of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

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Let's Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week!

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Let's Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week!

Each year, during the second full week of October, National Wildlife Refuge Week celebrates the greatest network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife and people alike, the National Wildlife Refuge System. In 2022, National Wildlife Refuge Week occurs October 9-15.

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2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards— A Sneak Peek Of What's In Store!

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2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards— A Sneak Peek Of What's In Store!

We hope you will join us for our 2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards hosted in Washington D.C. and live-streamed on September 14th, 2022 starting at 7 pm ET. Check out a preview of the evening by watching the video!

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