Honoring Five Decades of Protecting Wildlife and Public Lands and Waters in the National Wildlife Refuge System
WASHINGTON, DC – January 28th, 2025 – 2025 marks a momentous milestone for the National Wildlife Refuge Association: 50 years of unwavering support for the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System). Since 1975, the National Wildlife Refuge Association (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.
As part of the year-long celebration, the Refuge Association is unveiling a commemorative 50th anniversary logo and launching a series of campaigns and events to honor the incredible progress of the last five decades while inspiring action for the future.
The Refuge Association was founded in 1975 by retired refuge managers who recognized the need for a strong, independent advocate for the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Over the last 50 years, the Refuge Association has:
Supported the Strategic Growth of the Refuge System: In 1975, the Refuge System included 378 refuges spanning 34 million acres. Today it encompasses over 850 million acres, including marine national monuments, making it the largest conservation system in the world.
Advocated For Critical Funding & Policies: Ongoing battles to defend refuge lands from chronic underfunding and from harmful proposals, including threats to iconic landscapes such as Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Georgia’s Okefenokee NWR.
Strengthened Grassroots Network: We expanded and strengthened Refuge Friends groups— the passionate, on-the-ground volunteers who contribute time, resources, and energy to support local refuges and connect communities to nature.
To commemorate this milestone, the Refuge Association is launching #50WildYears, a year-long campaign highlighting the legacy of the Refuge Association and the critical need for continued advocacy of the Refuge System.
“We’re proud to reflect on five decades of protecting, promoting, and enhancing America’s wildlife refuges and the countless species they sustain,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “But while the Refuge System has provided for the American people over the years, we have not provided for it. It faces chronic underfunding and threats every year that challenge its integrity and endanger the wildlife it protects. The Refuge Association knows national wildlife refuges are the beating heart of biodiversity, the backbone of climate resilience, and the promise of wild places for future generations. We must rally together to ensure these special places remain protected and thrive for the next 50 years and beyond.”
The National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 50th anniversary is a celebration of resilience— of wildlife, habitats, and the people who have championed conservation for half a century. Join us in celebrating #50WildYears by visiting our website and following us on social media to learn how you can get involved and help us advocate for the future of national wildlife refuges.
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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.