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.
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, which spans Illinois and Wisconsin.
Under the exceptional stewardship of David Lucas, the Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex, encompassing the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Two Ponds, and Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuges, stands out for its conservation excellence and urban community engagement. David Lucas’s innovative leadership has earned him the prestigious 2024 Paul Kroegel Award - Refuge Manager of the Year.
Within the heart of America’s national wildlife refuges lies a commitment to nature and conservation that is essential for the well-being of our communities. The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards, recognizing the exceptional contributions made to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managed National Wildlife Refuge System.
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.
Amidst the thriving wilderness of Williamsville, Missouri, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge faced a pressing challenge: a relentless invasion of feral hogs endangering its precious species and delicate vegetation. Enter Brad Pendley, a dedicated Wildlife Biologist at Mingo NWR since 2009, armed with a visionary solution - eliminate the hog threat to secure the refuge's future for generations to come. Recognizing his game-changing efforts at Mingo NWR and his continued leadership, Pendley has been bestowed with the esteemed 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards - Employee of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association for 2023. Established in 1944 under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge serves as a testament to our commitment to wildlife conservation.
Within the hustle and bustle of everyday life lies a world of nature and conservation that is vital to the vibrancy of its surrounding communities. Although many of us have not yet experienced the peace and serenity of a national wildlife refuge, we are all fortunate that there are those who dedicate their lives to the preservation of these wild and unique places.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association recently named Elizabeth (Liz) Figueroa as the South Florida Regional Partnership Specialist for NWRA’s Urban Wildlife Refuge Program. Liz’s primary focus is to build a major urban program throughout South Florida in partnership with the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach.
