WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUNE 20TH, 2024 – Wayne Selfridge, a devoted volunteer at Aroostook Nationwide Wildlife Refuge in Maine, has been named the 2024 Refuge Volunteer of the 12 months by the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation. This award acknowledges Wayne’s excellent contributions to the operation and administration of the refuge, highlighting his extraordinary dedication, management, and modern problem-solving.
For over 20 years, Wayne has devoted his skills, expertise, and hundreds of hours to the refuge. He served as the primary president of the Associates of Aroostook Nationwide Wildlife Refuge for over 15 years. Wayne’s long-term dedication has been instrumental in fostering sturdy group relationships and guaranteeing the Aroostook NWR’s continued operation.
The Refuge Volunteer of the 12 months Award honors and celebrates the invaluable contributions of passionate volunteers of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System. The 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards celebration and ceremony will likely be held on September 18th at 5:30 pm on the prestigious Mayflower Resort in Washington, D.C. Media protection of this occasion is extremely inspired.
“Wayne’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in retaining the Aroostook Nationwide Wildlife Refuge operational, particularly throughout difficult instances when the refuge was de-staffed,” mentioned Geoffrey L. Haskett, President of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation. “His distinctive management, modern considering, and skill to foster sturdy group relationships make him a useful asset to the refuge and an inspiration to volunteers nationwide.”
Wayne Selfridge has demonstrated exceptional accomplishments and attributes, together with:
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Private Dedication: Wayne has spent 2-3 days per week over the past 20 years working alongside refuge employees at Aroostook NWR. When the refuge was de-staffed in 2016, Wayne successfully took over because the supervisor, guaranteeing the refuge remained open to the general public. Wayne manages the day-to-day operations of the refuge, together with buying gas, scheduling contract work, and dealing with administrative duties, all whereas coordinating with USFWS employees stationed three hours away.
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Efficient Use of Job Abilities: Drawing from his profession with the U.S. Air Drive at Loring Air Drive Base, Wayne serves as a historian, upkeep employee, customer companies specialist, facility supervisor, administrative assistant, biologist, and supervisor on the refuge.
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Coaching and Mentoring Volunteers: Wayne has onboarded and mentored numerous volunteers, offering orientation and coaching to people and huge teams, together with scouts and group organizations.
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Innovation in Downside-Fixing: Wayne constantly proposes new concepts, reminiscent of growing an interpretive path connecting refuge trails with adjoining Mi’kmaq Nation lands, enhancing the customer expertise and offering instructional alternatives to tribal households.
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Effectiveness in Public Engagement: Wayne organizes annual interpretive occasions for native college teams and volunteer alternatives for scout teams. He additionally offers successfully with legislation enforcement points, drawing from his background as a retired MP and chief of police.
Be part of us in celebrating Wayne Selfridge’s exceptional contributions to wildlife conservation on the 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards. Go to refugeassociation.org/awards to be taught extra.
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The Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation is a non-profit group devoted to defending, selling, and enhancing the 850-million-acre Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest community of lands and waters put aside for wildlife conservation.
For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Communications Supervisor at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.
