📷 Black-capped Vireo | Kenny Seals/ USFWS
This March 14th, we have fun a momentous event: the 121st birthday of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System! For over a century, this unbelievable community of lands and waters has served as a beacon of conservation, defending a staggering array of wildlife and offering cherished outside experiences for hundreds of thousands.
Right here on the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation, we’re significantly thrilled this 12 months as a result of it coincides with the institution of the 571st refuge – the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Space! This sprawling 4-million-acre sanctuary in southwest Florida represents a significant victory for conservation efforts and will likely be essential for the continued well-being of the area’s distinctive species, together with the long-lasting Florida panther.
We wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our former colleague, Julie Morris, who performed a pivotal position within the conservation planning and advocacy for the creation of the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Space. Her dedication and keenness had been instrumental in bringing this imaginative and prescient to life. We want to categorical our gratitude to all our supporters who raised their voices in favor of the institution of a brand new refuge for wildlife. This refuge is crucial for the survival of varied uncommon and endemic species, together with the Florida Panther, Everglade snail kite, sand skink, and over 100 threatened or endangered species. Your public feedback have performed an important position in making this occur, and we respect your efforts.
The Everglades to Gulf Conservation Space serves as a testomony to the ability of collective motion and demanding conservation planning and ensures a brighter future for the wildlife depending on the ecosystems it protects.
The Refuge System has a wealthy historical past relationship again to 1903 with the institution of Pelican Island Nationwide Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Since then, the Refuge System has grown to embody a staggering over 850 million land and water acres throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories. It gives very important habitat for numerous species of wildlife, from migratory birds and threatened species to fish and distinctive flora.
However the Refuge System is greater than only a haven for wildlife. It provides unbelievable leisure alternatives for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Tens of millions go to nationwide wildlife refuges yearly to hike, fish, hunt, birdwatch, and easily join with nature.
The addition of the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Space marks a major step ahead for conservation. Nonetheless, the struggle to guard our pure world is way from over. Right here on the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation, we stay dedicated to working alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and different devoted companions to make sure a thriving future for the Refuge System and the superb species it protects.
There are various methods you’ll be able to be part of us in celebrating the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System and supporting the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Space:
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Go to a Nationwide Wildlife Refuge: Get out and discover the great thing about these unbelievable locations! Discover a refuge close to you by visiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service web site.
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Volunteer your time: Many nationwide wildlife refuges depend on volunteers to assist with quite a lot of duties. Lend a serving to hand and make a distinction!
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Turn into A Refuge Buddy: Nationwide wildlife refuges throughout the nation are supported by impartial organizations devoted to defending their native refuge. Discover out extra about Refuge Associates.
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Donate: Your beneficiant contribution to the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation could make an actual distinction in defending wildlife and their habitats within the Refuge System.
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Unfold the phrase: Share your love for the Refuge System with family and friends. Discuss to your elected officers in regards to the significance of conservation.
Completely happy Birthday, Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System! And a heat welcome to the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Space!
