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It's a momentous year for the National Wildlife Refuge Association and our nation's wildlife wonders! As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Wildlife Refuge Awards this year, we proudly announce the opening of nominations for 2024. These prestigious awards honor the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting and conserving the 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.
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.
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.
Rod Colvin has volunteered at Lassen National Park and Death Valley National Park since retiring in 2016, but his current and longest volunteer stop “got my heart.”
Colvin was named this year’s volunteer of the year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association for his work at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Amargosa Valley.
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!
Some of the most outstanding advocates of the National Wildlife Refuge System’s protected public lands will be honored for their contributions on September 14 in Washington, DC. The 2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards dinner will take place at 7 p.m. at the Mayflower Hotel. Media is welcome to attend and cover the program and the ceremony will be livestreamed for all to attend across the country.
