📷 Rae Milmore, City & Neighborhood Engagement Specialist at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee NWR, FL slough slogs with 2024 Conservation Ranger Camp college students | Eden Taylor/Refuge Affiliation
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER sixteenth, 2024 – The Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation is proud to announce the inaugural Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System Worker Appreciation Day on December 17, 2024. This big day is devoted to honoring the tireless efforts of the workers of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System who look after America’s 573 nationwide wildlife refuges and marine nationwide monuments, spanning over 95 million acres of land and 760 million acres of marine areas.
These devoted staff work on the frontlines of conservation, defending wildlife, sustaining wholesome ecosystems, and guaranteeing that public lands stay accessible and gratifying for all. Their efforts safeguard essential habitats, assist endangered species restoration, and supply nature-based options to fight the impacts of local weather change.
“Staff of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System are the unsung heroes of conservation,” mentioned Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President and CEO of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation. “Their dedication to wildlife, public lands, and the communities they serve is unparalleled. On December 17, we invite Refuge Buddies Teams, Refuge Supporters, and the general public to hitch us in displaying appreciation for his or her very important work.”
Learn how to Take part:
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Ship a Message of Gratitude: Attain out to your native nationwide wildlife refuge workers through electronic mail, social media, or in particular person to thank them for his or her dedication.
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Share Your Assist on Social Media: Use the hashtag #RefugeHeroes to share tales, images, and messages of appreciation.
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Go to a Refuge: Present your assist by visiting a nationwide wildlife refuge and studying extra concerning the unbelievable work being carried out to guard wildlife and habitats.
Why This Issues:
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Defending Wildlife and Habitats: Refuge staff handle lands that defend over 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, and numerous different wildlife.
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Connecting Folks to Nature: They supply alternatives for over 67 million guests yearly to expertise out of doors recreation, training, and inspiration.
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Supporting Native Communities: Their work boosts native economies by supporting recreation, tourism, and nature-based companies.
“Nationwide wildlife refuges are locations the place wildlife and other people thrive collectively,” mentioned Desirée Sorenson-Groves. “None of that may be potential with out the passionate and devoted staff who go above and past day-after-day.”
Be a part of Us in Celebrating Refuge System Staff
This December 17, let’s come collectively to thank the individuals who work tirelessly to guard America’s wildlife and nationwide wildlife refuges. Their efforts at this time be certain that future generations will proceed to take pleasure in and profit from these wild locations.
For extra data and to become involved, go to RefugeAssociation.org, comply with us on social media, or join our e-newsletter.
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Because the main impartial voice advocating on behalf of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System, the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage by means of strategic applications that serve the System and wildlife past its boundaries. The group addresses Refuge System funding, administration, and strategic development, whereas additionally selling applications that maximize the system’s conservation impression.
For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communications & Advertising and marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.
