Nominations Now Open For The 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards

We are now accepting nominations for the
2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards

It's that time of year again! Every year, the National Wildlife Refuge Association honors the exceptional contributions made by the dedicated individuals who support our national wildlife refuges. We are proud to announce the 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards, recognizing the outstanding achievements of refuge managers, employees, volunteers, Friends groups, and advocates. Click here to see highlights from the 2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards >>

Nominations are Now Being Accepted
Until Friday, March 17th, 2023

This is your chance to acknowledge the tireless efforts of those who have significantly impacted our national wildlife refuges over the past year. Nominate someone today >>

Please read our Nominations Guidelines before submitting a nomination. We are accepting nominations for the 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards in the following categories:

*Please note upon clicking the links for each award, the nomination form will be downloaded to your computer.

  • PAUL KROEGEL - REFUGE MANAGER OF THE YEAR

    This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments by a refuge manager or project leader in the protection and management of our national wildlife refuges.

  • REFUGE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

    This award recognizes the outstanding work of the men and women employed by the Refuge System.

  • REFUGE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

    This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of volunteers in support of the operation and management of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

  • MOLLY KRIVAL - REFUGE FRIENDS GROUP OF THE YEA

    This award recognizes the outstanding contributions of the groups of dedicated volunteers in Friends organizations who provide essential services to the National Wildlife Refuge System.

  • REFUGE ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

    This award recognizes people who are not Refuge employees, volunteers, or in Friends groups who have played a significant role in advocating to protect a refuge from external forces.

Please remember to submit your nominations on or before Friday, March 17th, 2023. Our 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards winners will be announced in May 2023. 

Join us in celebrating the heroes of our national wildlife refuges. Let's show them how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication to preserving our National Wildlife Refuge System!

Thank you for being a part of this annual tradition.