📷 Rae Milmore, Urban & Community Engagement Specialist at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR, FL slough slogs with 2024 Conservation Ranger Camp students | Eden Taylor/Refuge Association

Join Us on December 17, 2024, to Honor the Stewards of America’s Wildlife Refuges

WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 16th, 2024 – 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.

These dedicated employees work on the frontlines of conservation, protecting wildlife, maintaining healthy ecosystems, and ensuring that public lands remain accessible and enjoyable for all. Their efforts safeguard critical habitats, support endangered species recovery, and provide nature-based solutions to combat the impacts of climate change.

“Employees of the National Wildlife Refuge System are the unsung heroes of conservation,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “Their commitment to wildlife, public lands, and the communities they serve is unparalleled. On December 17, we invite Refuge Friends Groups, Refuge Supporters, and the public to join us in showing appreciation for their vital work.”

How to Participate:

Send a Message of Gratitude: Reach out to your local national wildlife refuge staff via email, social media, or in person to thank them for their dedication.

Share Your Support on Social Media: Use the hashtag #RefugeHeroes to share stories, photos, and messages of appreciation.

Visit a Refuge: Show your support by visiting a national wildlife refuge and learning more about the incredible work being done to protect wildlife and habitats.

Why This Matters:

Protecting Wildlife and Habitats: Refuge employees manage lands that protect over 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, and countless other wildlife.

Connecting People to Nature: They provide opportunities for over 67 million visitors annually to experience outdoor recreation, education, and inspiration.

Supporting Local Communities: Their work boosts local economies by supporting recreation, tourism, and nature-based businesses.

“National wildlife refuges are places where wildlife and people thrive together,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves. “None of that would be possible without the passionate and dedicated employees who go above and beyond every day.”

Join Us in Celebrating Refuge System Employees

This December 17, let’s come together to thank the people who work tirelessly to protect America’s wildlife and national wildlife refuges. Their efforts today ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy and benefit from these wild places.

For more information and to get involved, visit RefugeAssociation.org, follow us on social media, or sign up for our newsletter.

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As the leading independent voice advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.

For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director  of Communications & Marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.