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The National Wildlife Federation recently honored recipients of its 2024 National Conservation Achievement Awards, including individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to wildlife conservation. The Conservation Federation of Missouri was recognized as the Affiliate of the Year for its advocacy efforts in the state. The Federation and its affiliates also approved four conservation resolutions, addressing issues such as the protection of old-growth forests, partnerships with Indigenous communities, shark conservation, and the elimination of a policy that hinders prosecution for killing endangered species. The article also highlights the winners of the 2024 National Wildlife Photo Contest and features a donor spotlight. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the decline in population of purple martins, a North American songbird, and the efforts of volunteers to build colonies and provide substitute housing for them. These colonies are being established on public land, such as a biosolids treatment plant and a city park in Austin, Texas. The volunteers, known as purple martin "landlords," check the nests frequently to ensure the birds' health and protect them from invasive species. The article also highlights the sense of community and satisfaction that comes from contributing to the survival of these birds. [Extracted from the article]

Photographer Gretchen Kay Stuart captured a rare image of a wolverine in Washington state's Cascade mountains. The wolverine, named Joni by researchers, was seen playfully posing, possibly with her kits. Stuart set up a camera trap near a wolverine monitoring station to capture the photo, highlighting the need for patience and knowledge of their movements. Wolverines were listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2023, and Stuart hopes that showcasing their softer side will help change public perception of them as solitary and vicious animals. [Extracted from the article]

Zahra Saifee, a 24-year-old environmentalist, has been awarded the National Wildlife Federation's 2024 Young Leader Award. As the policy and advocacy coordinator for the Environmental League of Massachusetts, Saifee's passion for conservation began at a young age while growing up near Zion National Park in Utah. She later moved to Salt Lake City for college, where she learned about the connection between air quality and environmental justice. Saifee now works with the ELM on offshore wind and has developed an Environmental Justice Values document to promote responsible and equitable offshore wind practices. [Extracted from the article]

Nature Niños, a program of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation, has become its own organization, offering outdoor educational and creative experiences for children aged 4 to 18. The program includes school partnerships, home-school support, and community outreach, and offers activities such as white-water rafting and building boats from natural objects. Nature Niños collaborates with partners outside of the traditional outdoor arena, such as Story Connection, to create unique and age-appropriate curricula. The program is designed to be collaborative, allowing students to pursue their interests, and fees are payable on a sliding scale to ensure access for all. Nature Niños has grown and expanded based on community feedback and requests. [Extracted from the article]

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) has launched the Lights Out Louisiana initiative to protect birds during migration periods. By encouraging people to turn off lights and collaborating with meteorologists to inform the public during migration and inclement weather, LWF aims to prevent bird collisions with buildings, a major cause of bird deaths worldwide. LWF has expanded its focus beyond hunting and fishing to address diverse ecosystems and concerns such as clean energy, coastal restoration, and carbon capture. The organization also mentors undergraduates through the Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps to foster a passion for conservation and protect Louisiana's natural resources. [Extracted from the article]

The National Wildlife Federation, along with other organizations, has released a new report titled "Innovation in Climate Adaptation: Harnessing the Power of Innovation for Effective Biodiversity and Ecosystem Adaptation." The report explores creative solutions to conservation problems, such as using green lasers to protect desert tortoises and wrapping giant sequoias to shield them from forest fires. It also emphasizes the importance of updating conventional tactics and incorporating Indigenous knowledge. With the worsening effects of climate change, the report highlights the need for innovative thinking and action. [Extracted from the article]

Lauren Pharr, a Ph.D. candidate at North Carolina State University, is studying the effects of climate change on red-cockaded woodpeckers. As a Black woman in the field, she has noticed a lack of support for marginalized individuals and has experienced hostile situations. In response, Pharr co-founded Field Inclusive, a nonprofit that provides trainings to help marginalized biologists and researchers navigate potentially dangerous situations. She is also involved in science communication efforts to highlight wildlife careers and inspire diversity in the field. [Extracted from the article]

The NWF Garden for Wildlife™ program is set to reach a significant milestone in the spring of 2024, with over 300,000 Certified Wildlife Habitats® designated across the United States. These habitats provide essential resources for wildlife, such as food, water, and shelter, and promote sustainable practices. The program is supported by NWF affiliates, who work to promote Garden for Wildlife through workshops, plant sales, and advocacy for wildlife-friendly legislation. Other programs, such as Schoolyard Habitats® and Community Wildlife Habitats, have also contributed to the achievement of the 300,000 habitat benchmark. The NWF aims to continue certifying new habitats at a rate of 15,000 per year. [Extracted from the article]

The Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF), a National Wildlife Federation affiliate, played a significant role in the designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni—Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, protecting almost 1 million acres of land and ensuring access for migrating mule deer. AWF is now focused on expanding its outreach efforts to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, including youth, women, and historically underserved communities. They are working with partners in Colorado and the Navajo Nation to adapt their programs and are also involved in on-the-ground projects to maintain trails and remove barriers that restrict the movement of wildlife. AWF aims to demonstrate the importance of stewardship and the enjoyment of the outdoors. [Extracted from the article]

Shreya Ramachandran, a 20-year-old native Californian, has founded the nonprofit organization The Grey Water Project to educate people on safe ways to reuse grey water, which is domestic and commercial wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry machines. Ramachandran has spent four years conducting scientific research on grey water and has created a website, thegreywaterproject.org, to provide information, workshops, and curriculum on the topic. Her curriculum has been adopted by 90 schools, and the project has reached over 50,000 people. Ramachandran is currently studying human biology, climate, and health at Stanford University and is actively involved in sustainability efforts in her city. She believes in intergenerational climate action and wants to see students take action to address environmental challenges. [Extracted from the article]

bulletin The National Wildlife Federation's annual impact report is now available online. To read stories about NWF's efforts recovering wildlife, working with communities, conserving land and water and more, visit impact.nwf.org.PHOTO (COLOR) [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the "Artemis Podcast," a weekly production launched in 2021 by Artemis, the National Wildlife Federation's network of sportswomen. The podcast aims to elevate women's voices in sporting and conservation by featuring women who are ordinary but extraordinary in their field. Each episode covers a range of topics, including stories from the field and stream, new conservation science, gun safety, and more. The podcast also includes interviews with scientists, representatives from minority outdoor groups, and Artemis Ambassadors who organize meetups for women to hunt, fish, forage, and learn. The podcast can be accessed on the Artemis website and major podcast platforms. [Extracted from the article]

The National Wildlife Federation's EcoSchools U.S. program has been relaunched with a major upgrade to increase school engagement. The program now offers a new online portal that is simpler to use and provides customizable curriculum. The website includes a library of action cards in categories such as Wildlife and Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Healthy and Resilient Communities. Students and teachers can track their progress in real time using the online dashboard, which also allows them to compare their impact with other participating schools. The program aims to involve the community in the learning experience and offers four levels of certification based on completed activities. [Extracted from the article]

The article highlights the work of the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC), a National Wildlife Federation affiliate, in preserving Vermont's unique landscapes and promoting climate resilience. The VNRC has been involved in preserving habitat, hosting discussions on flood resilience, and working with lawmakers to update land use laws and regulations. They also collaborate with local conservation initiatives and coalitions to protect the state's natural resources. The VNRC's efforts aim to protect what is special about Vermont and ensure its long-term sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

Lane's vision includes recruiting new board members, revising AWF's mission statement and coordinating priorities and policies with other state conservation groups and nonprofits. As part of this process, the AWF team hosted a series of visioning sessions with leaders and conservation groups from across the state to discuss AWF's future. During its 87-year history, the Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AFW) - an affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation - has played a key role in the state's conservation efforts. [Extracted from the article]

Eighty-five percent of the land in Nevada is public (including Valley of Fire State Park, right) - a feat that conserves precious wildlife habitat, provides recreational space and creates opportunities for economic growth. "We're an energy-development state but also a grazing state and an outdoor recreation state", says NVWF executive director Russell Kuhlman. NVWF has advocated for evaluating land based on its oil and gas potential, prioritizing leases on parcels with high potential and not leasing land with low potential. [Extracted from the article]

Bulletin NATIONAL WILDLIFE PHOTO CONTEST The winners of the 2023 National Wildlife® Photo Contest will be published in our Winter 2024 issue, and the 2024 contest will open in January. At the 2023 Wildlife- Unite annual meeting, NWF and affiliates voted in eight resolutions that reflect the following priorities: • Advocating for responsible development and construction of solar-energy infrastructure that protects wildlife habitat and migration corridors. 2023 AFFILIATE RESOLUTIONS Every year, the Federation and its 52 state and territorial affiliates vote on policy resolutions that guide decision-making within the Federation family. [Extracted from the article]

• Affiliate of the Year: THE NEW MEXICO WILDLIFE FEDERATION (NMWF) has advocated for wildlife, public lands and sportspeople (right) for over a century. Field work National Wildlife Federation Regions & Affiliates nwf.org/regionalwork The National Wildlife Federation bestowed its 2023 National Conservation Achievement Awards June 22 at WildlifeUnite, NWF and affiliates' annual convention held this year on Lake Tahoe. • Conservation Achievement Award: Former NWF board chair KENT SALAZAR is the former executive director of NMWF and helped found Hispanics Enjoying, Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). [Extracted from the article]

Field work On Earth Day in April 2022, a crowd of people gathered along the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills, California, to celebrate a momentous event that had been a decade in the making: groundbreaking for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing (left, artist's rendering), which, once complete, will be the largest wildlife crossing in the world. Mountain lions have long been poster children for the effort to build the crossing, with Griffith Park resident cat P-22 (top left) being the most famous. Conservationists hope the crossing will allow mountain lions and other wildlife safe passage across the freeway as well as reduce inbreeding by connecting habitat and expanding the size of the cats' mating pool. [Extracted from the article]

"Birds are the heartbeat of what we do, but we do so much more than that", says Dyanna Smith, director of communications for the NWF affiliate New Hampshire Audubon. Through this hands-on, educational approach, NH Audubon engages with people throughout the state, who in turn contribute to a massive volunteer network tracking wildlife population trends. Altogether, NH Audubon manages 39 wildlife sanctuaries (including the Thompson Sanctuary, left, in Sandwich) totaling nearly 10,000 acres of wetlands, forests and meadows. [Extracted from the article]

This year, NWF is expanding to Houston - the nation's fourth-largest city and the program's first permanent addition since Atlanta in 2001. For the past two decades, the NWF initiative Earth Tomorrow® has empowered young Atlantans to explore environmental justice and leadership opportunities. [Extracted from the article]

National Wildlife Regions & Affiliates nwf.org/regionalwork field work In recent years, heat has killed more people in the United States than any other natural disaster, according to the National Weather Service. The report also examines the effectiveness of community solutions, including increasing urban tree canopy and creating DIY indoor filter fans. For example, one map, "Tree Equity Scores", shows how neighborhoods with higher percentages of people of color tend to have less tree cover. [Extracted from the article]

In April, NRCM partnered with the Aveda Institute in Maine to put on an innovative "trashion" show benefiting NRCM's clean water work. The National Wildlife Federation's Maine affiliate, Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), champions conservation in the state by advocating for legislation to reduce waste, promoting protection of public lands and waters, pushing for clean energy and more. Charlie Shaw Conservation Partnership Award - Affili-ate: President and CEO of New Jersey Audubon Eric Stiles pushed for NJA to become an affiliate and now helps build relationships within NWF. [Extracted from the article]

Large industrial farming operations pose a threat to this ecosystem, but Indigenous groups who farm sustainably (left) often have been excluded from decision-making about area resources. The Upper Rio Grande region is essential to agriculture and is an important cultural and spiritual mainstay for many people, including the Pueblo of Sandia and Pueblo of Tesuque. The Spanish word querencia conveys "a love for the land and a deeply held connection to a place", says Camila Simon, executive director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO). [Extracted from the article]

Since 2019, NWF has teamed up with national homebuilder Taylor Morrison to restore and protect wildlife habitats in hundreds of communities across the country. The company is enhancing biodiversity by planting native flowers, shrubs, grasses and trees, incorporating nature trails into communities, supporting outdoor experiences and encouraging sustainable landscape practices such as chemical-free gardening and limited mowing. [Extracted from the article]

WildlifeUnite - the National Wildlife Federation's annual meeting - will be held this year in Lake Tahoe, California, June 21-24. To learn more about the meeting, see the schedule of events and register to attend, go to wildlifeunite.nwf.org. [Extracted from the article]

I get a charge when I see a moose. Donor spotlight "When I was a kid visiting the Adirondacks, you could never see any moose. Now, there's a resurgence of the population, which is really exciting. [Extracted from the article]

Impact report The National Wildlife Federation's annual impact report is now available online, featuring stories of our biggest wins for people and wildlife. Read the full report covering equity and justice, policy, climate work and more at impact.nwf.org. [Extracted from the article]

Litwiller had just started as an Equity and Justice Storytelling Fellow at the Federation, and Drayton - NWF's vice president of operations - wanted to get to know her. Within a day of meeting for the first time in September 2021, Kaila Drayton (right) and Nicole Litwiller (left) knew they wanted to do a podcast together. Just a few years ago, for example, NWF's equity and justice work was done on a volunteer basis, with employees taking on the burden of additional work outside their normal roles. [Extracted from the article]

There are also additional resources for schools participating in NWF's Eco-Schools USA program such as educational materials for students and microgrants to fund cleanups. CLEAN EARTH CHALLENGE Johnson Outdoors - an outdoor recreation and sporting goods company - and NWF have partnered to launch the Clean Earth Challenge, a trash-collecting competition with a goal to improve the environment by cleaning up 1 million pieces of waste. [Extracted from the article]

"In my work at NWF, I consider how respect for wildlife diversity and uplifting diversity in human communities are linked", says Kate Ekman of NWF's California Regional Center. This year, NWF celebrated Pride Month by sharing stories from staff and recognizing the struggles the community still faces. PRIDE IN OUR PEOPLE In the United States, June is recognized as Pride Month, celebrating and honoring the LGBTQ+ com-munity and commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Upris-ing in New York, which was a major turning point for LGBTQ+ rights. [Extracted from the article]

WILD KINGDOM REBOOT In January 2023, a beloved television series that inspired countless people's passion for wildlife will be returning to screens. "Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild", sponsored by the insurance com-pany, is a reboot of the original "Wild Kingdom" and will spotlight conservation success stories as well as feature experts from the National Wildlife Federation. The original "Wild Kingdom" series ran from 1963 to 1987, with hosts Marlin Perkins (above left), Jim Fowler and Peter Gros (above right) travelling the globe and learning about wildlife. [Extracted from the article]

The Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition, for example, involves five core organizations and partners with NWF affiliates Louisiana Wildlife Federation and Mississippi Wildlife Federation, which work to protect the delta (below) using methods such as barrier island restorations, oyster reef creation (right) and sediment diversions. The Federation proudly works with nine coalitions devoted to protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems across the country: the Choose Clean Water Coalition, Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes Coalition, Restore the Mississippi River Delta Coalition, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, Clean Water for All Coalition, Texas Living Waters Project, Healthy Headwaters Alliance, Everglades Coalition and Water Protection Network. One priority project, the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, will direct sediment-laden water from the Mississippi River into Barataria Bay to bolster thousands of acres of rapidly disappearing wetlands. [Extracted from the article]

Other living shoreline tactics include marsh grass planting (shown at Windy Hill Farm in Maryland, above), oyster reef creation and dune building. As the effects of climate change continue to worsen, our nation's shorelines are at risk from severe storms, flooding, erosion and other threats. [Extracted from the article]

Dickson and NWF plan to bring some of the contest runners-up to perform at the 2022 P-22 Day this fall and will continue to collaborate to encourage more empathy for wildlife and humans alike. Dickson equated fragmentation of mountain lion habitat to how highway construction in the 1950s dissected many Black communities. A VOICE FOR WILDLIFE When hip-hop artist Warren Dickson (right, at the 2019 P-22 Day Festival in Los Angeles) first heard about California mountain lion P-22 (below), he was struck by how much he could relate to the animal's struggle. [Extracted from the article]

Successful resilience projects have included the Great Marsh in Massachusetts (below), where NWF worked with several partners to restore the marsh and nearby dunes, resulting in healthier fish and wildlife habitat and a stronger buffer against coastal storms and other climate disasters. WORKING FOR WILDLIFE PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT As climate change worsens, our nation's shorelines are bearing the brunt of its devastating effects, including rising tides, stronger storms and increased flooding. [Extracted from the article]

"It was an opportunity that came up for me", says Colorado rancher Joe Sperry, who took advantage of the program to relinquish grazing rights on a 33,464-acre U.S. Forest Service allotment where his domestic sheep posed the risk of spreading respiratory diseases to bighorn sheep (above) due to repeated contact. "By removing livestock from such large areas of public land, you're also benefiting other species", says Bob McCready, WCR program manager (far right in inset). WORKING FOR WILDLIFE MARKING A MILESTONE Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the National Wildlife Federation's Wildlife Conflict Resolution (WCR) program has settled conflicts between ranchers and wildlife on more than 1.5 million acres. [Extracted from the article]

The legislation would dedicate nearly $1.3 billion annually to states, territories and Tribes to conserve more than 1,300 wildlife species (including swift foxes, right). This year, the Recovering America's Wildlife Act was again introduced in Congress, with updated provisions to further protect at-risk wildlife species (such as monarch butterflies, above) and recover those already listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). "The historic, bipartisan Recovering America's Wildlife Act is by far the most important piece of wildlife leg-LEGISLATIVE islation in the past half-century", says Federation President and CEO Collin O'Mara. [Extracted from the article]

In July, DelNature saw a win when the state legislature passed the Clean Water for Delaware Act, which establishes a Clean Water Trust to protect Delaware's waterways and to rebuild drinking water infrastructure. In addition, DelNature manages more than 2,000 acres of land, many of them protected within the organization's four nature education centers and preserves. During its more than 50-year history, NWF affiliate Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) has created a legacy of conservation through its innovative programming, advocacy and commitment to preserving the state's wildlife and natural resources. [Extracted from the article]

In June, at the WildlifeUnite conference and annual meeting, representatives from the National Wildlife Federation's 53 state and territorial affiliates voted to pass six conservation resolutions to guide Federation policy for the upcoming year. These resolutions support: • Federal initiatives to protect and conserve wildlife and habitats - including the "America the Beautiful" plan to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 - and the inclusion of Tribal perspectives and knowledge in conservation planning. [Extracted from the article]

The coalition meets regularly to share resources, build capacity, discuss legislation and share best practices to support leaders of color who want to enter the clean-economy sector. INVITING NEW VOICES In May, the National Wildlife Federation launched its Clean Economy Coalition of Color, an alliance of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian and Pacific Islander leaders and advocates of color who are committed to uplifting the priorities and economic interests of historically marginalized communities. [Extracted from the article]

In April, over 100 nonprofits, labor unions, environmental justice groups and other organizations - including NWF and affiliates Environmental League of Massachusetts and New Jersey Audubon - signed a unity statement supporting the Biden administration's commitment to offshore wind. NWF's Offshore Wind team partners with our Environmental Justice team on strategies to advance equity and justice in our offshore wind work. "As we advance this critical climate solution, we want to make sure we maximize job creation, benefits for underserved communities and opportunities to advance environmental justice in the offshore wind sector", says Offshore Wind Energy Program Director Catherine Bowes. [Extracted from the article]

To meet that goal, the Great American Campout website provides recipes, tips and activities such as stargazing games to supplement the camping experience. Throughout the summer, the Great American Campout ran giveaways of NWF apparel and gear along with L.L.Bean gift cards to encourage people to camp. The 17th annual Great American Campout™ began in June, encouraging people to experience camping any way they can, whether it's staying outdoors in a tent (right), "glamping" or holding an at-home campout. [Extracted from the article]