WILD ABOUT WILDLIFE

Wild About Wildlife unites Palm Beach’s philanthropic and conservation-minded community to support the work of the National Wildlife Refuge Association — the only nonprofit solely dedicated to protecting, promoting, and enhancing America’s 850-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System.

Through signature events, partnerships, and local storytelling, Wild About Wildlife mobilizes community philanthropy in support of the Refuge Association’s South Florida Urban Wildlife Refuge Project—helping expand access to nature, strengthen environmental education, and support long‑term conservation outcomes across Palm Beach County and South Florida.

Upcoming Events

Summer Luncheon
featuring guest speaker and author, Deborah Pollack
Book Topic: Florida Sculptures and Their Work: 1880-2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Table 26 Palm Beach
11:00 a.m.
Tickets: $225

Purchase Tickets here

Fall Luncheon
featuring guest speaker and author, Richard Louv
Book Topic: Noticing: An Intimate Encounter with the Natural World
Monday, October 12, 2026
The Ben, Autograph Collection
12:00 p.m.
Tickets: $300
VIP Ticket with Author Meet n’ Greet: $500 (only 50 tickets available)

Annual Awards Dinner
Friday, February 5, 2027
The Ben, Autograph Collection
6:00 p.m.
Tickets: $1,000

Limited Time Special Offer

The first 50 guests to pre-pay for all Wild About Wildlife 2026-27 season events by August 15 can get a discounted rate of $1,500! Includes: Summer Luncheon Ticket, Fall Luncheon VIP Ticket, Annual Awards Dinner Ticket plus a copy of Richard Louv’s new book to be signed at VIP Author Meet N’ Greet

Claim Your Special Offer

Wild About Wildlife Award Winners

For the past three years, Wild About Wildlife has proudly recognized outstanding conservation leaders through two special awards: the Wild About Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award and the Next Generation Environmental Hero Award. These honors celebrate individuals whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to conservation have made a meaningful impact on wildlife, natural habitats, and environmental stewardship. By recognizing both established conservation champions and emerging young leaders, these awards highlight the importance of inspiring action across generations to protect our natural world.

Wild About Wildlife Conservationist of the Year

The Wild About Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award celebrates those who go above and beyond to safeguard the natural world. This award recognizes individuals or organizations whose passion, creativity, and leadership drive meaningful conservation outcomes—restoring habitats, protecting wildlife, and inspiring communities to care for the planet.

Previous winners:

2026: Margo McKnight, President and CEO, Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society
2025: Tony Vecchio, Retired Executive Director, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
2024: Dan Ashe, President and CEO, Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Next Generation Environmental Hero

The Next Generation Environmental Hero Award celebrates those who ignite a passion for the planet in tomorrow’s leaders. This honor recognizes individuals or organizations whose creative and forward‑thinking programs empower young people to learn, explore, and take action for the environment. Nominees demonstrate unwavering dedication to conservation, creating lasting, positive outcomes for wildlife and the world future generations will inherit.

Previous winners: