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.
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.
Recently Donal “Don” O’Brien, III died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 24, 2022, after a courageous 10-year battle with a progressive neurological illness. As a former board member, Don was always one of the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s greatest supporters and was instrumental in making the Refuge Association a far more effective and powerful organization. We owe so much to Don for what he accomplished for the National Wildlife Refuge System and our work for it. You can read more and send condolences through his online obituary here or leave a comment below.
