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Reflections from Lower Klamath: Waters That Shaped Us, Futures We Must Protect
Mount Shasta, snow-covered, loomed in the background. Stretched out before me, marshlands sparkled, and hundreds of white-faced ibis, Wilson’s phalaropes, black-necked stilts, and long-billed dowitchers brought the landscape alive as they twirled, probed, and pranced in pursuit of breakfast. Hundreds (maybe a thousand) red-winged blackbirds winged overhead. The site? Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge that straddles the Oregon-California border.
Connecting With The Annual Christmas Bird Count
The 125th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is here! Running from December 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this beloved tradition invites bird lovers to join one of the world’s longest-running wildlife surveys. Organized by the National Audubon Society, the CBC began in 1900 as a conservation-friendly alternative to holiday bird hunts. Many national wildlife refuges fall within CBC count circles, making it a fun and meaningful way to support wildlife and collect valuable bird data. Join a local count or tally birds from your feeder and contribute to understanding bird populations around your favorite refuge!
Welcome To The Willamette Valley Conservation Area: The 572nd Jewel in the National Wildlife Refuge System
Discover the newest addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Willamette Valley Conservation Area in Oregon. As part of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, this conservation area is home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, and oak woodlands, which support a wide range of wildlife, such as the Dusky Canada Goose and Fender’s Blue Butterfly. Learn about the collaborative efforts, including contributions from tribal nations, to protect and restore these vital habitats. Although not yet open to the public, future plans promise opportunities for people to connect with nature in this remarkable landscape.
Turtles in Trouble: Giving Leatherback Sea Turtles A Fighting Chance
Leatherback Sea Turtles, the largest turtles in the world, are facing significant threats from climate change, habitat loss, and artificial lighting. These ocean giants, known for their incredible migration journeys, rely on a few crucial nesting sites to lay their eggs. The Refuge System plays a vital role in protecting these habitats. Discover how you can help protect Leatherback Sea Turtles and support our conservation initiatives.
Monarchs On The Move: The Epic Journey of Survival For Nature’s Tiny Titans
As spring transitions to summer, one of nature’s most captivating spectacles begins – the migration of the Monarch Butterfly. In honor of Endangered Species Day on Friday, May 17th, our Refuges For Recovery campaign spotlights the Monarch Butterfly, a species whose remarkable journey and delicate beauty underscore the urgency of conservation efforts in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Protecting Our National Wildlife Refuges On Earth Day 2024: A Call to Action Against Plastic Pollution
From majestic mountains to coastlines, the National Wildlife Refuge System protects vast ecosystems across our nation, both on land and sea. Yet, a threat disrupts the delicate balance in these sanctuaries: plastic pollution. This year's Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastic, underscores the global struggle against this pervasive environmental contaminant.
Soaring Back From The Brink: The Story Of The California Condor
Imagine the vast expanse of the California sky, dotted with the silhouettes of majestic birds with nine-foot wingspans. These were the California Condors, once soaring freely across the continent, playing a critical role in their ecosystems. But tragedy struck, and their numbers plummeted to the brink of extinction. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, they are slowly reclaiming their rightful place in the sky, and the National Wildlife Refuge System plays a vital role in their remarkable comeback.
Winter's Tranquility Descends Upon National Wildlife Refuges: A Season of Sparkling Silence and Quiet Wonders
From the frosted peaks of Alaska to the sun-drenched shores of Florida, winter casts a spell upon the National Wildlife Refuge System, transforming each national wildlife refuge into a unique tapestry of quiet wonders. Whether you navigate snow-laden trails or stroll through sun-kissed grasslands, a sense of hushed beauty and hidden resilience awaits.
Igniting Change: A Visual Journey Into The USFWS Fire Program
Embark on a visual odyssey into the heart of America's wildlands with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Fire Program. In collaboration with Ian Shive from Tandem Stills + Motion, this groundbreaking video project transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling, offering an intimate glimpse into the critical role of prescribed burns. Beyond reducing fuel loads, these intentional fires breathe life into delicate ecosystems like the southeast's pine savannas, fostering habitats for endangered species such as the gopher tortoise and red-cockaded woodpecker. This captivating journey not only captures the dance of flames on the landscape but also unveils the passionate professionals behind the scenes, dedicated to safeguarding our natural heritage. Join this transformative adventure, igniting a passion for the delicate balance between fire, habitats, and the incredible species that call these landscapes home.
Prowling Back From The Brink: The Florida Panthers’ Tale of Triumph & Challenge
Florida Panthers are subspecies of Mountain Lion and are known for their elusive nature. They are highly independent and territorial, except when mating or raising kittens. Compared to other subspecies, Florida Panthers have characteristics of a crooked tail, unique patches on their fur, and black markings that highlight the tips of their tails, ears, and snout. They prefer warm climates like swamps, wetlands, and upland forests. In the past, their range extended beyond Florida, and many wild panthers were spotted in the Gulf Coast states, between Florida and Louisiana, and even in Arkansas. However, today, a majority of the remaining wild panthers can be found only in the southwestern tip of Florida, with an estimated population of just over 200 individuals.
National Wildlife Refuge Expo 2023: A Celebration of Conservation on Capitol Hill
On Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, the halls of the Rayburn Office Building on Capitol Hill echoed with the enthusiastic celebration of wildlife conservation at the National Wildlife Refuge Expo. Back from a few years' hiatus during and following COVID, from 10 am to 2 pm, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, from a captivating live raptor display to adult coloring sessions, all while learning about the vital work happening within the Refuge System.
A Journey Through The Heart Of Conservation: Exploring New Mexico's National Wildlife Refuges
New Mexico, known as the "Land of Enchantment," captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, never-ending sunsets, and rich natural and cultural heritage. Recently, the National Wildlife Refuge Association's board and staff embarked on an inspiring journey to the heart of this enchanting state. The mission: to explore and gain insights from two exceptional national wildlife refuges - Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge and Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge.
In the Shadows of Extinction: The Plight of the Red Wolves
Red wolves desperately require your help at this moment. This remarkable species, known for its intelligence and stunning beauty, plays a vital role as an apex predator in its ecosystem. Protecting red wolves is crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy environment. The survival of this species is in grave danger, and they are on the verge of extinction.
Autumn's Arrival In National Wildlife Refuges: A Season of Natural Wonders
As the days grow shorter and a chill creeps into the air, nature begins its enchanting transformation, heralding the arrival of autumn. For the National Wildlife Refuge System, this season brings a unique charm, a time when wildlife and landscapes prepare for the colder months. Here, we delve into the splendid signs of autumn that grace our national wildlife refuges, where the beauty of nature meets its vibrant, resplendent side.
National Wildlife Refuge Week: Celebrating New Additions & Vital Roles of the Refuge System
It’s time to celebrate because it’s National Wildlife Refuge Week! Nationwide, we highlight and share the numerous wonders and significance of the National Wildlife Refuge System throughout the second full week of October annually. In celebration of Refuge Week, two major events have occurred further emphasizing the importance of national wildlife refuges: the Department of Interior marked two new locations as national wildlife refuges in Wyoming and Tennessee and the introduction of congressional resolutions designating the week of October 8th to 14th to be National Wildlife Refuge Week. How amazing! If you haven’t had a chance yet, the National Wildlife Refuge Association invites you to celebrate Refuge Week with us by downloading our toolkit and spreading the word about the Refuge System!
Celebrating Success: The Remarkable Return of the Black-Footed Ferret
During our Refuges For Recovery campaign, we highlight one of the Endangered Species Act's most iconic success stories: the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). Not too long ago, these elusive creatures teetered on the brink of extinction, with only a handful left in the wild. Today, we're proud to say that the black-footed ferret population is steadily growing, thanks to the unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts of conservationists, scientists, and the National Wildlife Refuge System.
What's a Flyway Anyway? Revealing The Mysteries of Bird Migratory Flyways
In the grand symphony of nature, migratory animals take center stage, dancing to the rhythm of ancient patterns. Imagine the tales whispered in the winds as they traverse the vastness between breeding and wintering grounds. These tales are etched along the pathways known as migration flyways, intricate threads that weave through the aerial realm, guiding the delicate flight of insects and the majestic journey of birds.