PRESS RELEASES
Nancy Marshall Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Environmentalist and philanthropist Nancy Marshall received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Wildlife Refuge Association at the organization’s 50th anniversary kickoff celebration. The event was held January 24 at Grand Living in West Palm Beach, Florida. More than 90 guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner, auction, and dancing with entertainment by Bianna Rosarrio. Marshall was lauded for her work in fundraising and program development for the organization.
National Wildlife Refuge Association Celebrates 50 Years of Conservation
2025 marks a momentous milestone for the National Wildlife Refuge Association: 50 years of unwavering support for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Since 1975, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has been the only independent voice solely dedicated to protecting the largest network of lands and waters in the world dedicated to wildlife conservation. For five decades, the Refuge Association has led the charge, uniting passionate individuals, Refuge Friends groups, and policymakers to rally around this system of public lands and waters to ensure its protection for generations to come.
National Wildlife Refuge Association Celebrates the First-Ever National Wildlife Refuge System Employee Appreciation Day
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to announce the inaugural National Wildlife Refuge System Employee Appreciation Day on December 17, 2024. This special day is dedicated to honoring the tireless efforts of the employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System who care for America’s 573 national wildlife refuges and marine national monuments, spanning over 95 million acres of land and 760 million acres of marine areas.
Robert Luna Honored As 2024 Refuge Employee Of The Year For His Outstanding Service At Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge
Robert Luna, an Engineering Equipment Operator at Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge in Washington, has been named the 2024 Refuge Employee of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This award recognizes Robert's exceptional contributions to the refuge, highlighting his innovation, outstanding job performance, and dedication to wildlife conservation.
Wayne Selfridge Honored As 2024 Refuge Volunteer Of The Year For His Exemplary Service At Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
Wayne Selfridge, a dedicated volunteer at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Maine, has been named the 2024 Refuge Volunteer of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This award recognizes Wayne's outstanding contributions to the operation and management of the refuge, highlighting his extraordinary commitment, leadership, and innovative problem-solving.
Okefenokee Protection Alliance Honored As Refuge Advocate Of The Year For 2024
The Okefenokee Protection Alliance (OPA) has been named the 2024 Refuge Advocate of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This award recognizes OPA's extraordinary accomplishments in protecting the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia from the threat of mining operations and their unwavering commitment to conservation.
Friends Of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge Awarded Molly Krival Award For Exemplary Community Engagement & Conservation Efforts
The Friends of Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, a dynamic and dedicated Refuge Friends organization, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Molly Krival Award - Refuge Friends Group of the Year. This honor recognizes their outstanding contributions to community engagement and conservation at Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, which spans Illinois and Wisconsin.
David Lucas Transforms Colorado Front Range Refuges: Paul Kroegel Award Winner
Under the exceptional stewardship of David Lucas, the Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex, encompassing the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Two Ponds, and Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuges, stands out for its conservation excellence and urban community engagement. David Lucas’s innovative leadership has earned him the prestigious 2024 Paul Kroegel Award - Refuge Manager of the Year.