Variety of Coral and fish in Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge | Pete Leary/USFWS
Dear Refuge Watch Readers,
Spring explodes across national wildlife refuges, painting landscapes with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers and filling the air with the joyful songs of returning birds ready to build their nests. Witnessing this annual rebirth reminds us of the enduring power of nature and the vital role national wildlife refuges play in protecting our precious wildlife.
This month, we celebrate not just the beauty of spring, but also the extraordinary individuals and groups who champion conservation efforts. As the deadline for the prestigious 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards approaches on Monday, April 1st, I encourage you to nominate someone whose dedication to refuges inspires you. Their contributions ensure the continued success of these vital refuges.
The call for proposals for the 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends is open! This award recognizes outstanding projects and initiatives undertaken by Friends groups across the nation. If your local Refuge Friends group is leading an impactful project, be sure to submit your proposal by Wednesday, April 17th.
Another crucial deadline for Refuge System advocacy is approaching. Public Witness Testimony for the House Appropriations Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee will be due on Friday, May 10th. In the coming weeks, we’ll be calling on Refuge Friends groups to submit letters in support of the vital work done by our refuges, particularly those facing challenges.
Mark your calendars! A rare celestial spectacle is fast approaching – the total solar eclipse happening onMonday, April 8th. Many national wildlife refuges lie within the path of totality, offering a unique opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring event in nature.
Spring’s hope blossoms alongside the vibrant wildflowers in national wildlife refuges. Through nominations, advocacy, and participation in vital initiatives, you hold the power to ensure a flourishing future for both wildlife and their wild homes in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Thank you for your help.
With warm regards,
Geoffrey L. Haskett
President
National Wildlife Refuge Association
Congress recently passed a package of several FY2024 spending bills, including the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill that funds the National Wildlife Refuge System. This spending bill will cut $14.5 million from the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Operations & Maintenance budget, or a 2.6% reduction from FY2023 levels. Notably, this bill also does not provide funding to cover the 5.2% pay increase for federal employees that went into effect in January. It costs the Refuge System an estimated $3.
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, a crown jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System, faces a critical juncture. A proposed strip mine, located a mere stone’s throw from its borders, threatens to disrupt this irreplaceable ecosystem. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division recently released revised permits for the Twin Pines Minerals project after considering public comments from last year. These revised permits, however, do not adequately address the significant environmental risks the mine poses to Okefenokee NWR.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is excited to announce the opening of the application period for our 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups. The O’Brien Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding achievement by Refuge Friends groups in support of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
It’s a momentous year for the National Wildlife Refuge Association and our nation’s wildlife wonders! As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Wildlife Refuge Awards this year, we proudly announce the opening of nominations for 2024. These prestigious awards honor the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their lives to protecting and conserving the National Wildlife Refuge System.
This year, we celebrate a momentous occasion: the 121st birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System! For over a century, this incredible network of lands and waters has served as a beacon of conservation, protecting a staggering array of wildlife and providing cherished outdoor experiences for millions.
The March edition of the Birding Community E-bulletin has arrived! You will find your favorite columns, including Rarity Focus, Access Matters, and Tip of the Month.
Refuge Friends Corner
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Embraced by the warm breezes and salty spray of the Mid-Atlantic coast, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware welcomes visitors with a stunning mosaic of freshwater and saltwater marshes, woodlands, and grasslands. Established in 1963, this 10,144-acre sanctuary pulsates with life, serving as a critical stopover and breeding ground for a dazzling array of migratory birds.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge isn’t just a place you see wildlife, it’s a place you hear it. During spring and fall migrations, the refuge explodes in a symphony of life. Tens of thousands of ducks, geese, and shorebirds take refuge on the wetlands, their calls echoing in a joyous chorus across the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic Snow Geese, elegant Great Egrets, or brightly colored American Black Ducks resting and feeding before continuing their incredible journeys. Be sure to scan the tall marsh grasses – a Great Blue Heron, with its statuesque form, might be patiently waiting for its next unsuspecting prey. Prime Hook is also a haven for threatened and endangered species like the Northern Harrier, a majestic raptor with distinctive white markings, and the Saltmarsh Sparrow, a petite songbird that thrives in the refuge’s coastal grasslands.
The avian spectacle at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is undeniably captivating, but beyond the birds, the refuge offers a rich tapestry of wildlife encounters. Watch the playful River Otter navigate the waterways, or spot the elusive Diamondback Terrapin basking in the sun on a mudflat. The refuge’s diverse habitats – from freshwater and saltwater marshes to woodlands and grasslands – teem with a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, each playing a vital role in the intricate web of life. Keep your eyes peeled for the flash of a Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel, one of the largest tree squirrels in North America, scampering through the branches of the refuge’s mature trees.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is an invitation to adventure. A network of well-maintained trails winds through various habitats, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The refuge also boasts a canoe trail, allowing visitors to explore the hidden waterways and observe wetland wildlife from a unique perspective.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge serves as a haven not just for wildlife but also for nature enthusiasts and outdoor recreationists. Whether you’re an avid birder, a curious photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the refuge offers something for everyone. Educational programs and events provide opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about the importance of wetland conservation and the ongoing efforts to protect this vital ecosystem.
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge thrives thanks to a dedicated community. The Friends of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a tireless group of volunteers, plays a vital role in supporting the refuge’s mission. Consider joining their efforts by volunteering your time to assist with habitat restoration projects, environmental education programs, or wildlife monitoring initiatives. Responsible recreation, like staying on designated trails and minimizing your impact on the environment, is also crucial for protecting this ecological treasure.
Open year-round, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge offers a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Delaware coast throughout the changing seasons. Witness the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, and join us in celebrating its vital role in protecting the wonders of the Mid-Atlantic coast!
National Wildlife Refuge Association
1701 K Street NW, Suite 550
Washington, DC 20006
United States
Variety of Coral and fish in Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge | Pete Leary/USFWS
