Wild About Wildlife 2026: A Night Celebrating Conservation and Inspiring the Next Generation

On February 6, 2026, the National Wildlife Refuge Association welcomed more than 130 conservation advocates, civic leaders, and philanthropic supporters to The Ben in downtown West Palm Beach for our annual Wild About Wildlife Awards Gala. The evening brought together a passionate community united by a shared commitment to protecting wildlife and expanding opportunities for the next generation to experience the natural world.

The event was both a celebration and a call to action. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters, the gala raised more than $329,000 to support the Refuge Association’s South Florida Urban Wildlife Refuge Project. These funds will expand programs that connect Palm Beach County students with hands-on experiences in South Florida’s remarkable natural environments, helping young people discover wildlife, conservation, and potential careers in protecting our planet.

Wild About Wildlife was hosted by Nancy Marshall and Dianne Bernstein, whose leadership helped create a memorable evening dedicated to conservation and community. The event also welcomed many generous supporters, including Rebecca Doane and members of the Doane family, whose leadership gift helped propel the evening’s fundraising success.

Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated dinner and a lively auction program, with every contribution helping advance the Refuge Association’s mission to protect wildlife and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.

Honoring Conservation Leadership

Each year, Wild About Wildlife recognizes individuals whose dedication to wildlife and conservation inspires others. This year’s honorees represent outstanding leadership and commitment to protecting the natural world.

Amy Kight, CEO of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, received the Next Generation Environmental Hero Award. Since being appointed CEO in 2024, Amy has played a critical role in guiding the sanctuary’s long-term sustainability, expanding its capital vision, and strengthening programs that care for and rehabilitate Florida’s wildlife. The Next Generation Environmental Hero Award recognizes an emerging leader who is making a significant impact in conservation and environmental stewardship. This award honors individuals who demonstrate vision, innovation, and dedication to protecting wildlife, natural habitats, and the environment while inspiring others—especially younger generations—to care for the natural world.

We were also proud to recognize Margo McKnight, President and CEO of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society, as our Conservationist of the Year. With more than three decades of leadership in conservation organizations nationwide, Margo has built partnerships and programs that advance wildlife protection both locally and globally. The Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and long-standing commitment to protecting wildlife, conserving natural habitats, and advancing environmental stewardship. This honor celebrates those whose work has made a meaningful and measurable impact on conservation through innovative programs, partnerships, policy leadership, or community engagement.

Inspiring the Next Generation

One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during a special video presentation featuring students from Conservation Ranger Camp, one of the Refuge Association’s signature programs in South Florida.

During the Conservation Ranger Camp, students spend a week immersed in conservation at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, working alongside refuge staff and conservation professionals. They learned outdoor recreational activities like fishing and archery, wildlife monitoring techniques, and discovered career pathways in environmental stewardship.

For many students, it is their first opportunity to explore nature in this way. Seeing their enthusiasm and curiosity reminded everyone in the room why this work matters.

Building a Stronger Future for Wildlife and Communities

Wild About Wildlife is more than a gala—it is a growing community effort to connect people with nature, strengthen conservation education, and support the National Wildlife Refuge System.

With continued philanthropic support and strong community partnerships, the Refuge Association’s work in South Florida will continue to expand opportunities for students and families to experience wildlife, restore habitats, and develop a lifelong connection to the outdoors.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this special evening and helped make Wild About Wildlife 2026 such a success.

Together, we are ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to discover, protect, and care for the wild places that make South Florida—and our entire nation—so extraordinary.