National Wildlife Refuge Association

05/21/2026

The House version of the BUILD America 250 Act includes a long-overdue increase for National Wildlife Refuge System transportation funding, raising annual funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from approximately $36 million to $42 million from FY2027 through FY2031.

This is an encouraging step forward for the roads, bridges, trails, culverts, and visitor access infrastructure that help national wildlife refuges serve both wildlife and people.

But it cannot be the finish line. The Refuge System still needs closer to $100 million annually and the same automatic inflationary adjustments provided to other federal land management agencies.

We’ll continue working with the Senate to strengthen this legislation and ensure national wildlife refuges receive the investment they need.

Read our full statement ⬇️

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is optimistic about the House version of the BUILD America 250 Act and its inclusion of increased funding fo r the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Ref uge System , a bipartisan surface transpor tation reauthorization

05/20/2026

Great news for wetlands, wildlife, and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

More than $67 million in federal funding will support wetland conservation projects and national wildlife refuges, helping conserve habitat, support migratory birds, and expand opportunities for people to connect with the outdoors.

Read our statement ⬇️

The National Wildlife Refuge Association applauds the U.S. Department of Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their announcement of more than $67 million in federal funding for wetland conservation projects and the National Wildlife Refuge System . The announcement

05/18/2026

05/14/2026

05/09/2026

Today is World Migratory Bird Day, and it’s a good time to remember how much migratory birds depend on healthy habitat along the way.

Wetlands, rivers, and coastal areas give birds places to rest, feed, and survive during migration. National wildlife refuges play an important role in protecting these landscapes for migratory birds and the many other species that rely on them.

Today, we’re highlighting why habitat conservation matters for birds across the National Wildlife Refuge System and beyond.

Read more:
http://refugeassociation.org/blog/2023/5/12/feathered-friends-and-flowing-water-the-vital-role-of-national-wildlife-refuges-in-protecting-migratory-birds-and-aquatic-ecosystems

World Migratory Bird Day is a global celebration of the incredible journeys birds make each year as they travel thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. This year's theme is water, which is fitting since migratory birds rely heavily on aquatic ecosystems throughout their life

05/08/2026

🚨 ADVOCACY ALERT ✉️

National wildlife refuges protect wildlife, restore habitat, welcome visitors, and connect communities to nature.

But the Refuge System is facing severe staffing shortages, rising costs, and growing public demand. We’re urging Congress to support $761 million in FY2027 funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Please take action today and help keep refuges strong.

Take action at the link in bio. ✉️

05/08/2026

🚨 ADVOCACY ACTION! ✉️

National wildlife refuges protect wildlife, conserve habitat, support outdoor recreation, and connect communities to nature. But the National System is facing severe staffing shortages, rising costs, and growing public demand.

The Refuge Association is urging Congress to provide $761 million in FY2027 funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System Operations and Maintenance account, returning the Refuge System to its FY2010 funding level adjusted for inflation.

Please take action today and urge your members of Congress to support strong funding for the Refuge System ⬇️

Please send a message to your members of Congress today and urge them to support $761 million for the National Wildlife Refuge System in FY2027.

05/07/2026

(188/250) The pipevine swallowtail is found through much of the southern and eastern U.S. and much of Mexico. It gets its name from its host plant - pipevine - which makes caterpillars toxic to predators. This time of year, watch for these swallowtails flying, mating and laying eggs.

Photo courtesy of Judy Gallagher/CC BY 4.0 https://flic.kr/p/2reCaRi

05/06/2026

Nominations are now open for the 2026 National Wildlife Refuge Awards.

Every year, these awards recognize the people and partners whose work strengthens the National Wildlife Refuge System! From refuge staff and volunteers to Refuge Friends and advocates making a difference for conservation across the country.

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized? Submit a nomination today.

🗓 Deadline: Monday, June 1, 2026

https://www.refugeassociation.org/nominations-refugeawards

Discover the 2026 Wildlife Refuge Awards nominations, honoring outstanding refuge managers, volunteers, and advocates dedicated to wildlife conservation. Submit your nominations today.