Volunteer of the Year

Celebrate 30 Years of Refuge Heroes: Nominate for the 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards!

Celebrate 30 Years of Refuge Heroes: Nominate for the 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards!

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.

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

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.

Announcing Our 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards: Honoring Awardees For Outstanding Conservation Achievements

Announcing Our 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards: Honoring Awardees For Outstanding Conservation Achievements

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.

Nominations Now Open For The 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards

Nominations Now Open 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.

2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards— A Sneak Peek Of What's In Store!

2022 Wildlife Refuge Awards— A Sneak Peek Of What's In Store!

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!

‘Rock’ Solid with 8,938 Volunteer Hours Benefiting Wildlife in Nevada

‘Rock’ Solid with 8,938 Volunteer Hours Benefiting Wildlife in Nevada

Don’t tell Rod Colvin to find a hobby. With the number of hours he dedicates to Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Nevada, spare time is limited, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Rod was recently named the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 2022 Volunteer of the Year. He will be recognized for this honor at the Wildlife Refuge Awards dinner, which will take place on Wednesday, September 14, at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC at 6 p.m. Media is welcome to attend and cover the program.

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

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.