News
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is excited to announce the opening of the application period for our 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups. The O’Brien Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding achievement by Refuge Friends groups in support of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
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.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2023 O'Brien Prize for Refuge Friends. This annual honor recognizes the outstanding efforts of Refuge Friends Groups, who work tirelessly to protect and enhance the natural wonders of our national wildlife refuges.
At the National Wildlife Refuge Association, we take great pride in supporting conservation initiatives that not only protect national wildlife refuges but also celebrate the rich cultural heritage intertwined with these special public lands dedicated to wildlife. The 2022 O'Brien Prize, awarded to the Friends of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, exemplifies the extraordinary efforts put forth by dedicated individuals who are committed to honoring and preserving the legacy of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi.
In the heart of Ohio, a labor of love is unfolding as Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Oak Harbor, Ohio, seamlessly connects conservation and the local community. Their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm have earned them the esteemed Molly Krival Award - Friends Group of the Year for the 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards, presented by the National Wildlife Refuge Association.
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. We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards, recognizing the exceptional contributions made to the National Wildlife Refuge System.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association recently joined forces with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to offer a National Friends Workshop, which took place from April 28th to May 1st, 2023. This workshop brought together Refuge and Hatchery Friends groups, nonprofits that support specific national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. These groups play a crucial role in the success of the National Wildlife Refuge System by providing financial support for facility and habitat projects, contributing numerous volunteer hours, and actively supporting advocacy initiatives.
On spring mornings, a chorus erupts from the mouth of the Missisquoi River.
Scores of birds, from Canadian geese to bobolinks, are migrating north, feeding, breeding, and raising their young in the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. Deer feed on the shores, while muskrats patrol the shallow waters alongside a myriad of fish, with the river itself one of the few spawning sites of Lake sturgeon in Lake Champlain.
However, budget constraints across the National Wildlife Refuge System have put a chokehold on what the skeleton crew managing the local 7,000-acre refuge can do.
Welcome back to the Refuge Friends Corner! As a supporter of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, you have a fun opportunity to get involved with your local Refuge Friends group and the overall Refuge Friends community. Whether you're passionate about conservation, enjoy spending time in nature, or want to connect with like-minded individuals, joining a Refuge Friends group can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Are you interested in exploring ways to get involved and make a difference for the National Wildlife Refuge System locally? Read on for ideas on how to get involved with the Refuge Friends community.
America's National Wildlife Refuge System is a beacon of conservation efforts, and the role of Refuge Friends groups is a shining example of what can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause. These groups of dedicated volunteers are the lifeblood of the Refuge System, providing invaluable support in the quest to preserve and manage America's precious wildlife and natural habitats.
