Blog — The National Wildlife Refuge Association

🛑 Staff cut. Refuges threatened. Wildlife needs you. 🛑 Donate Today »

Eden Taylor

What Fuels You: Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

What Fuels You: Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

The 6,100 acre Bill Williams River NWR is located in central-western Arizona, along the lower Colorado River. The refuge was initially part of the Havasu Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

In 1993, the tract was separated from the Havasu Lake NWR and became the Bill Williams River NWR. It is now managed separately due to its unique characteristics.

Steve Berendzen Named Refuge Manager of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association

Steve Berendzen Named Refuge Manager of the Year  by the National Wildlife Refuge Association

Steve Berendzen, Refuge Manager at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Complex based in Alaska, was named the country’s outstanding Refuge Manager for 2021 by the National Wildlife Refuge Association in Washington, DC. This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments by a refuge manager (project leader) in the protection and management of our national wildlife refuges. The award is given each year in honor of Paul Kroegel, the first manager of the first refuge established in 1903 at Pelican Island, Florida. His dedication and effectiveness set a high standard for those who have followed.

An Opportunity For Your Friend Group: The 2021 O’Brien Prize

An Opportunity For Your Friend Group: The 2021 O’Brien Prize

The National Wildlife Refuge Association has an opportunity for you!! Through the generosity of some of our great Board Members, we are announcing our 2021 O’Brien Prize, an annual award for Refuge Friends groups. The prize is named after Donal O’Brien III, a past Board Chair and longtime enthusiast of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Don is a generous supporter of the great work we do for national wildlife refuges and is very impressed by the dedication and effectiveness of Refuge Friends groups.

Happy 118th Birthday To The National Wildlife Refuge System!

Happy 118th Birthday To The National Wildlife Refuge System!

Today, the National Wildlife Refuge System is celebrating its 118th birthday – and everyone is invited to join in the fun.

On this date in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in Sebastian, Florida. The refuge was created to provide a haven for wading birds such as snowy egrets, and protect a critical rookery for species including the brown pelican and wood stork.

What We Are Looking Forward To On National Wildlife Refuges

What We Are Looking Forward To On National Wildlife Refuges

Here at the National Wildlife Refuge Association, we asked our staff and board what they are looking forward to on national wildlife refuges in 2021. We know that these times have been challenging, so we are hopeful and looking forward to what 2021 may bring for our National Wildlife Refuge System.

What Fuels You: Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

What Fuels You: Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

What Fuels You: An Electric Road Trip has made it to Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, a part of Portland-Vancouver National Wildlife Refuges! Did you know Tualatin River NWR has an amazing friends group? Friends of the Refuge is a huge support to the urban national wildlife refuge which is less than 30 minutes outside of downtown Portland, Oregon!

Catawba College Presentation Tomorrow: State’s Hidden Treasures Beckon

Catawba College Presentation Tomorrow: State’s Hidden Treasures Beckon

Imagine seeing 5,000 redhead ducks on one 300-acre impoundment or a dozen black bears on a single ride through forest roads. These sights are available to North Carolinians in what Mike Bryant calls “the hidden treasures” — the 11 National Wildlife Refuges in the state.

Introducing Our New Southwest Regional Representative, Gary Montoya

Introducing Our New Southwest Regional Representative,  Gary Montoya

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is pleased to announce our newest addition to the team, Gary Montoya. Gary Montoya will be filling the role of our Southwest Regional Representative. Gary will represent the Refuge Association to facilitate communication with refuge managers, staff, Friends Groups, and local stakeholders about issues affecting refuges.