Press Release

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Extraordinary Volunteer Duo Enhances Wildlife Refuges with Passion and Dedication In The Western United States

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Extraordinary Volunteer Duo Enhances Wildlife Refuges with Passion and Dedication In The Western United States

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.

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When Feral Hogs Attack, Brad Pendley Fights Back in Missouri’s Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

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When Feral Hogs Attack, Brad Pendley Fights Back in Missouri’s Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

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.

New Partnership Changes Conservation Landscape in Florida

New Partnership Changes Conservation Landscape in Florida

The National Wildlife Refuge Association and Florida Conservation Group recently agreed on a partnership to strengthen their respective work and impact in the state. The collaboration offers increased benefits to the Florida conservation community.

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Announcing Our 2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards: Honoring Five Awardees for Conservation Accomplishments

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Announcing Our 2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards: Honoring Five Awardees for Conservation Accomplishments

Within the hustle and bustle of everyday life lies a world of nature and conservation that is vital to the vibrancy of its surrounding communities. Although many of us have not yet experienced the peace and serenity of a national wildlife refuge, we are all fortunate that there are those who dedicate their lives to the preservation of these wild and unique places.

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Elizabeth Figueroa Named South Florida Urban Specialist at National Wildlife Refuge Association

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Elizabeth Figueroa Named South Florida Urban Specialist at National Wildlife Refuge Association

The National Wildlife Refuge Association recently named Elizabeth (Liz) Figueroa as the South Florida Regional Partnership Specialist for NWRA’s Urban Wildlife Refuge Program. Liz’s primary focus is to build a major urban program throughout South Florida in partnership with the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach.

Protecting the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and the Scenic Driftless Area’s Vital Natural Resources

Protecting the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and the Scenic Driftless Area’s Vital Natural Resources

Four conservation groups – the National Wildlife Refuge Association, Driftless Area Land Conservancy, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and Defenders of Wildlife – prevailed in a January 14 Opinion by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. The detailed Opinion said federal agencies’ approval of ATC, ITC and Dairyland Power’s proposed 102-mile Cardinal-Hickory Creek (CHC) transmission line violated federal environmental laws designed to protect the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires full and fair consideration of reasonable alternatives that are less environmentally damaging and less costly.

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In the Spotlight: Striking the Right Chord at the Right Time

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In the Spotlight: Striking the Right Chord at the Right Time

For the Friends of the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge located on the Gulf Coast in north Florida, the challenge became, “How do we bridge these obstacles? How can we get out of the ‘idle’ mode and move forward?” The task, coincidentally, meshed well with some musical research I was doing at the time. In a short video, guitarist Mark Knopfler was patiently describing playing a basic guitar chord.

Naturalist Phillip Pollock, Celebrates National Award with St. Marks Friends Group

Naturalist Phillip Pollock, Celebrates National Award with St. Marks Friends Group

Recently, the National Wildlife Refuge Association named St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group, headed by Phillip Pollock, the 2021 National Wildlife Refuge System Friends Group of the Year. As the Friends president, Pollock, represents the 230 Friends Group members.

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Oil Lease Sales Halted For Now In Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

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Oil Lease Sales Halted For Now In Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

The Biden Administration announced the suspension of oil drilling leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Trump Administration finalized these leases on January 19, 2021, the day before inauguration. The National Wildlife Refuge Association is thrilled with this decision: the Arctic Refuge is one of the largest tracts of untouched wilderness and most ecologically diverse areas in the United States and should not be destroyed in exchange for the pittance received from the January lease sale.

Shaaron Netherton and Jose Witt Named Advocates of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association

Shaaron Netherton and Jose Witt Named Advocates of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association

The National Wildlife Refuge Association announced that Shaaron Netherton, Jose Witt and the Friends of Nevada Wilderness are the 2021 National Wildlife Refuge System Advocates of the Year. They are being honored for their efforts to develop support for protecting the Desert National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR) in Nevada. Mr. Witt and Ms. Netherton worked tirelessly to engage and inspire a diversity of people and organizations to support the Refuge, which generated 32,000 public comments that were submitted to the Air Force, opposing the expansion of the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), which encompasses over 2.9 million acres of federal land that has been withdrawn from public use and reserved for military use by the U.S. Air Force.