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An Earth Month celebration was held on April 8, 2023, at Chauncey Park in Dobbs Ferry, NY, in collaboration with the National Wildlife Refuge Association, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Groundwork Hudson Valley, and Moms Organic Market. The event aimed to unite community members to stabilize the riparian habitat along the Sawmill River. Groundwork Hudson Valley led the planting of 68 potted dogwoods, elderberry, and birch trees along the banks of Sawmill River Island.
Urban Wildlife Conservation Day, is an annual celebration of nearby nature that invites everyone to connect with the outdoors, from National Wildlife Refuges to local parks. Urban Wildlife Conservation Day was established in 2018 to recognize and celebrate more than 100 urban national wildlife refuges that are within 25 miles of cities and towns across the country.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association recently named Elizabeth (Liz) Figueroa as the South Florida Regional Partnership Specialist for NWRA’s Urban Wildlife Refuge Program. Liz’s primary focus is to build a major urban program throughout South Florida in partnership with the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association, announces the promotion of Angie Horn to Urban Wildlife Refuge Program Director. Angie will have the primary responsibility for managing The National Wildlife Refuge Association’s expanded Urban Wildlife Refuge Program. The goal of the program is to reach beyond national wildlife refuge boundaries and into communities throughout our nation to connect all Americans to nature through dynamic outreach and by cultivating innovative partnerships across multiple sectors.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association’s Urban Wildlife Refuge Program grew by leaps and bounds throughout 2021, despite the ongoing pandemic and reduction in outdoor events and programs. After pivoting to remote work and virtual programs in 2020, the seeds were planted to fund and accelerate ambitious projects in and around Los Angeles and nationally.
While public programs remain on hold, for the most part, the Urban Program continues to grow and strengthen partnerships with communities and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Urban Wildlife Conservation Program.
In southern California, the predictable and pleasant weather in the region’s micro-climates means people can get outside for most of the year. It’s not unusual to see beaches and trails full of people in the middle of February, and Griffith Park swarming with tourists and locals alike. But in many areas of Los Angeles, and the increasingly urbanized counties from Ventura to San Diego, other barriers exist that prevent many people in under-resourced communities from getting outside and engaging with nature.
