BLOG
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.
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.
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.
Mary Weiler and Kevin Weiler named National Volunteers of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association
Mary Weiler and Kevin Weiler; volunteers at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville, FL, have been named the country’s outstanding 2021 Volunteers of the Year, by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. The award, given annually, recognizes outstanding accomplishments of volunteers in support of the operation and management of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Steve Berendzen Named Refuge Manager of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association
Steve Berendzen, Refuge Manager at the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Complex based in Alaska, was named the country’s outstanding Refuge Manager for 2021 by the National Wildlife Refuge Association in Washington, DC. This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments by a refuge manager (project leader) in the protection and management of our national wildlife refuges. The award is given each year in honor of Paul Kroegel, the first manager of the first refuge established in 1903 at Pelican Island, Florida. His dedication and effectiveness set a high standard for those who have followed.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association Announces 2021 Refuge Awards
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Refuge Awards, presented by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This year’s award recipients are:
Paul Kroegel Refuge Manager of the Year: Steve Berendzen, Arctic NWR (AK)
Refuge Employee of the Year: Natalie Fath, National Elk Refuge (WY)
Molly Krival Refuge Friends Group of the Year: Friends of St Marks Wildlife Refuge (FL)
Refuge Volunteer of the Year: Mary Weiler and Kevin Weiler, Merritt Island NWR (FL)
Refuge Advocate of the Year: Jose Witt, Shaaron Netherton, Friends of Nevada Wilderness (NV)
Announcing The Winners of the 2020 O’Brien Prize For Refuge Friends
We are pleased to announce the two national wildlife refuge Friends groups who will be receiving the O’Brien Prize; International Wildlife Refuge Alliance of Detroit, MI, and Friends of the Mariana Trench National Wildlife Refuge, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.