A Love Letter to the Refuge System’s Greatest Strength: You

A special message from the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s President & CEO, Desirée Sorenson-Groves:

I’ve been thinking a lot about the recent government shutdown—and more importantly, about all of you.

This isn’t a typical thank-you message. It’s a love letter. A letter of deep gratitude and profound respect for every person who helped carry our national wildlife refuges through yet another incredibly difficult time.

To the refuge staff who showed up—without pay—to patrol lands, monitor water, care for wildlife, and protect what belongs to all of us: thank you. Your dedication is nothing short of heroic.

To the refuge staff who were furloughed, who stayed home even though your heart and hands were ready to work—you were missed, and we know how hard it was to wait while the work piled up.

To the Friends and volunteers who checked gates, picked up trash, answered questions from visitors, and made sure refuges were cared for while virtually no staff was present—you stepped up, and we’re in awe of you.

And to the advocates and supporters who stood by with words of encouragement, donations, and action—we’re grateful for every bit of it.

Shutdowns are not just policy decisions. They are real disruptions with real costs—for wildlife, for habitat, and for the people who protect them. Critical water control work is delayed. Sensitive areas may go unmonitored. Vandalism and poaching become easier. Research gets paused. Wildlife migrations shift, and the land suffers.

But despite it all—you showed up. You carried the weight. You made sure the Refuge System didn’t stop.

Across the country, we heard of volunteers stepping in, of staff quietly doing what they could, of Refuge Friends groups holding it all together. That’s the kind of love and commitment that keeps this system of very special public lands alive.

We know the cost of this shutdown isn’t just in dollars—it’s in stress, in lost time, and in the silences where action should have been. In the coming days, we’ll be reaching out to learn more about what you experienced on the ground—because the stories from this shutdown matter.

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is here to make sure your stories are heard—and to fight for the resources, recognition, and respect you deserve. We’re honored to stand with you.

With admiration,

Desirée Sorenson-Groves
President & CEO
National Wildlife Refuge Association