This week, on Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, the halls of the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill echoed with the enthusiastic celebration of wildlife conservation at the National Wildlife Refuge Expo. The Refuge Expo–the first after a several-year hiatus–is an annual event to showcase the values, benefits, and importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System to Members of Congress and their staff. This year, 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. The event also featured insightful speeches from leaders in Refuge System conservation and distinguished members of Congress.
The Refuge Expo is organized by the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE) with the support of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. CARE, a coalition chaired by the National Wildlife Refuge Association and comprised of 24 organizations spanning the political spectrum, has been a stalwart advocate for adequate funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System since 1995. The Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus is a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives dedicated to protecting, strengthening, and promoting the National Wildlife Refuge System through federal funding and legislation.
CARE was honored to be joined by several co-chairs of the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus, including long-time co-chair Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), whose office sponsored the event. Other co-chairs who spoke included Congressmen Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) and Rob Wittman (R-VA). They passionately addressed the importance of conserving our natural heritage through the National Wildlife Refuge System during the Refuge Expo and emphasized the valuable work of CARE. We extend our sincere appreciation to these Members and the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus for their ongoing dedication to the protection of our nation’s wildlife refuges.
The Refuge Expo also featured distinguished speakers who brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to Capitol Hill. Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), provided insights into the agency's vision and commitment to the National Wildlife Refuge System's conservation goals. Cynthia Martinez, Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System at USFWS, shared her expertise on the integral role of refuges in protecting biodiversity and fostering resilient ecosystems. Geoffrey L. Haskett, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between governmental agencies, stakeholder organizations, and lawmakers to ensure the success and sustainability of the refuge system. Their speeches underscored the shared dedication to safeguarding these vital landscapes and the diverse wildlife that depends on them.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association extends our thanks to everyone who participated, making the National Wildlife Refuge Expo 2023 a vibrant testament to the collective dedication to wildlife conservation.