Here at the National Wildlife Refuge Association, we asked our staff and board what they are looking forward to on national wildlife refuges in 2021. We know that these times have been challenging, so we are hopeful and looking forward to what 2021 may bring for our National Wildlife Refuge System.
Sylvia Pelizza
Board Member
"It seems as though a weight has been lifted and 2021 will bring a sense of normalcy to our national wildlife refuges and visitors. Getting outdoors in groups whether it is to translocate endangered species, rehabilitate critical habitat, or engage in environmental education will be much easier than this past year. I look forward to all that can be accomplished."
Photo: Kids checking out the exhibits in the visitor center at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge by USFWS
Nancy Marshall
Board Member
“I'm inspired by the next generation of environmental stewards who are taking a position against climate change for a better tomorrow. “
Carl Woodward
Board Chair
“Refuges provide a unique perspective on our natural world. One never knows what will be found or seen. Just last week, on a hike with my wife and a friend at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ, during the snow we saw a fox following us as we walked along. The moment was indelibly etched in our memories, and, fortunately, caught on film. What a magical experience.”
Angie Horn
SoCal Regional Partnership Specialist
"I’m looking forward to the opening of the new visitor center at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge in south Albuquerque. The staff and Friends have been working nonstop to transform the landscape from farmland to wetland, and the new center along with the trails and bike access will bring people from all over to enjoy the open space and bosque environment.”
“I’m looking forward to getting back out on refuge lands to volunteer on survey work-in the olden days I did this for a living. Sea turtles and their habitat are found on many refuges in the Southeast and Caribbean National Wildlife Refuges. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act and the work of refuge staff and volunteers to the future for sea turtles is much brighter not than the time this picture was taken almost 30 years ago.”
Mike Bryant
Regional Representative, North and South Carolina
“I’m looking forward to refuge visitors enjoying the reopening of the newly elevated Pea Island Visitor Center where they can learn from volunteers about the abundant and diverse migratory birds that they’ll find. It’s ready to open as soon as COVID is in our rearview mirror.”
Dan Ashe
Board Member
“I’m looking forward to engaging and inspiring a new generation of diverse young people, like I (on the far left) and my brothers were inspired by this rehabilitating bald eagle, at National Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, back in 1970. And seeing and understanding places and people with and from unique perspectives, like Susan White and I are doing in this photo from Palmyra Atoll.”
Elaine Meier
Board Member
"I’m looking forward to more wildlife enthusiasts having the opportunity to see and learn more about manatees. There are numerous coastal refuges in Florida where these gentle giants can be seen, and winter is the perfect time to see them as they seek warmer waters. They need to be protected, learn how you can help!"
Mike Baldwin
Board Secretary
“Getting our refuge visitor centers open and our on-refuge tours and events back in operation so that we can do the best possible job in educating and engaging our visitors to the vital role that the refuge system plays in protecting and preserving wildlife and its habitats”
Gary Montoya
Regional Representative, Southwest
“I am looking forward to learning more about the issues and concerns of our national wildlife refuges in the southwest and how we, the National Wildlife Refuge Association, can help them bring it to the attention of our country, our supporters and the general public. We have always fought the good fight, but a lot of the time we have to do it with tenacity and patience. Our national wildlife refuges are the kind of therapy that is needed desperately by our country and I know they will support us. We have some great refuge managers and staffs that know how to make the most of what they have for the benefit of wildlife, wildlands, and the watersheds involved.”
“For 2021, I am looking forward to seeing positive outcomes from our project which seeks to reduce major threats affecting leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and its nesting beaches within and beyond National Wildlife Refuges in Puerto Rico. Enhancing habitat quality for this species in Puerto Rico would contribute to the recovery of the Caribbean and Northwest Atlantic subpopulation"
“I am looking forward to visiting Deer Flat, Camas, and Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuges this summer. I have been working with staff at these refuges on enhancing their invasive species management since last spring but because of covid, have not had an opportunity to see these refuges in person, check out the wildlife, and meet my USFWS colleagues who work there.”
Photo: Moose wading through water at Camas NWR, ID
Cheryl Hart
Board Member
“Every spring, Friends of Tualatin River work with refuge staff to put on Tualatin River Bird Festival. During this one-day event, we bring well over a thousand visitors from all over the Portland area and from every demographic group to our refuge to enjoy activities and the beauty of nature. Because the attendance far exceeds our parking capacity at the refuge, we contract with a local business that allows our visitors to park in their lot. The Friends then provides a very nice tourist-type bus to shuttle everyone to and from the refuge. So that means we have every attendee as a captive audience for about 5 minutes each way. We are not about to let this opportunity pass us by. We have one of the Friends Board members ride the bus and get on the microphone to greet our visitors, tell them about the activities that they can take part in during their visit as we make our way to the refuge. Then after their visit and on their way back to the parking area, we give a little plug for the Friends, encourage folks to join our organization, and take donations. For some reason, this is not the most popular slot for our Board members to fill during the festival, but I love talking to our visitors, getting them excited about the Festival and telling them about Friends. Last year and again this year, the Festival has had to be a virtual experience so no cars, no parking lot, no bus full of visitors. I can’t wait to have that captive audience to talk to again about the refuge and Friends.”
Photo: Tualatin River NWR, OR by Nathan Kossnar
“Healthy habitat that supports diverse and and viable populations of wildlife and access for all people to enjoy!
I am looking forward to safely getting back onto national wildlife refuge to enjoy fresh air, silent moments, and the beauty of nature.”
Photo: Mule deer peeking at Seedskadee NWR, WY by Tom Koerner / USFWS