📷 Rae Milmore, City & Group 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 staff 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 workers work on the frontlines of conservation, defending wildlife, sustaining wholesome ecosystems, and making certain that public lands stay accessible and pleasant for all. Their efforts safeguard crucial habitats, help 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 Mates Teams, Refuge Supporters, and the general public to hitch us in displaying appreciation for his or her 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 e-mail, social media, or in particular person to thank them for his or her dedication.
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Share Your Help on Social Media: Use the hashtag #RefugeHeroes to share tales, photographs, and messages of appreciation.
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Go to a Refuge: Present your help by visiting a nationwide wildlife refuge and studying extra concerning the unbelievable work being accomplished to guard wildlife and habitats.
Why This Issues:
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Defending Wildlife and Habitats: Refuge workers handle lands that shield over 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, and numerous different wildlife.
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Connecting Individuals to Nature: They supply alternatives for over 67 million guests yearly to expertise outside recreation, schooling, 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 will be doable with out the passionate and devoted workers 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 immediately be certain that future generations will proceed to get pleasure from and profit from these wild locations.
For extra data and to become involved, go to RefugeAssociation.org, observe us on social media, or join our publication.
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Because the main unbiased voice advocating on behalf of the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge System, the Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Affiliation protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage by strategic packages that serve the System and wildlife past its boundaries. The group addresses Refuge System funding, administration, and strategic development, whereas additionally selling packages that maximize the system’s conservation impression.
For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communications & Advertising at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.