? View of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, TX from Observation Tower | Steve Hillebrand/USFWS The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently shared some good news for conservation efforts throughout the United States. Four national wildlife refuges have been expanded, protecting up to 1.13 million acres of newly protected wildlife habitat across New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas. This announcement is particularly exciting for the National Wildlife Refuge Association, which played a significant role in expanding two critical refuges in Texas - Aransas and Big Boggy NWRs. The other two r ..read more

? Cherry blossoms at peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. | National Park Service This week, President Geoffrey Haskett of the National Wildlife Refuge Association testified before Congress on the proposed revisions to the Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule for the National Wildlife Refuge System. You can watch the full testimony below. The BIDEH Rule: A Step in the Right Direction The Refuge Association supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) efforts to update the BIDEH policy. These revisions aim to address current conservation c ..read more

? Buffalo in field | Ian Shive/Tandem Stills + Motion The National Wildlife Refuge Association is thrilled to partner with the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network (SBWCN) for an unforgettable evening – America's Wildest Places: Two decades of our National Parks and National Wildlife Refuge System. This special event, held at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History on May 9th, 2024, at 6 p.m., promises to be a visual and storytelling feast. It will not only be a captivating exploration of America's natural wonders but proceeds from the event will directly support the vital work of both the ..read more

? Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, GA | Larry Woodward/USFWS The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), a crown jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System, faces a critical juncture. A proposed strip mine, located a mere stone's throw from its borders, threatens to disrupt this irreplaceable ecosystem. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) recently released revised permits for the Twin Pines Minerals project after considering public comments from last year.  These revised permits, however, do not adequately address the significant environmental risks the mine po ..read more

? A rainbow over Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, TX | Melissa Zieschang/USFWS The National Wildlife Refuge Association is excited to announce the opening of the application period for our 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups. The O’Brien Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding achievement by Refuge Friends groups in support of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The prize is named after Donal O’Brien III, a past Board Chair of the Refuge Association and longtime enthusiast of the Refuge System. Don was a generous supporter of our work and was always impres ..read more

? Black-capped Vireo | Kenny Seals/ USFWS This March 14th, we celebrate a momentous occasion: the 121st birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System! For over a century, this incredible network of lands and waters has served as a beacon of conservation, protecting a staggering array of wildlife and providing cherished outdoor experiences for millions. Here at the National Wildlife Refuge Association, we're particularly thrilled this year because it coincides with the establishment of the 571st refuge – the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area! This sprawling 4-million-acre sanctuary in sout ..read more

? Snowy Egrets at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, NV | Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS Congress recently passed a package of several fiscal year (FY) 2024 spending bills, including the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill that funds the National Wildlife Refuge System. This spending bill will cut $14.5 million from the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Operations & Maintenance budget, or a 2.6% reduction from FY2023 levels. Notably, this bill also does not provide funding to cover the 5.2% pay increase for federal employees that went into effect in January. It costs ..read more

? California Condor at Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge, CA | Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS Imagine the vast expanse of the California sky, dotted with the silhouettes of majestic birds with nine-foot wingspans. These were the California Condors, once soaring freely across the continent, playing a critical role in their ecosystems. But tragedy struck, and their numbers plummeted to the brink of extinction. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, they are slowly reclaiming their rightful place in the sky, and the National Wildlife Refuge System plays a vital role in their remarkable comeb ..read more

? Eastern kingbird at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, MN | Courtney Celley/USFWS It's a momentous year for the National Wildlife Refuge Association and our nation's wildlife wonders! As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Wildlife Refuge Awards this year, we proudly announce the opening of nominations for 2024. These prestigious awards honor the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting and conserving the National Wildlife Refuge System. Click here to see highlights from the 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards >> From refuge managers and tireless employees to passionat ..read more

? Mōlī, Laysan Albatross at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, HI | Laurel Smith/USFWS The National Wildlife Refuge System stands as a stronghold for biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions supporting climate resiliency and conserving the delicate balance of nature. However, the ongoing challenge of funding through continuing resolutions poses a significant threat to the thriving wildlife that calls these national wildlife refuges home. Continuing resolutions, short-term funding measures that temporarily extend budgetary allocations, seem like a practical solution for keeping the governme ..read more