Capitol Conversations: Swift Changes Happening To The Refuge System— What Does It Mean? (3.14.25)

Webinar Description

On the 122nd birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association hosted a special webinar breaking down what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and what it means for the Refuge System. Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association discussed how recent and impending decisions by the new administration and Congress are impacting national wildlife refuges. 

Webinar Materials (3.14.25)

• Webinar Recording
• Presentation Slides

Resources

• #RefugeStrong Graphic, created by Matthew Emmer (CORFA/Friends of Savannah NWR) and Eden Taylor (Refuge Association) – Thanks Matthew and Eden!
• #HatcheryStrong Graphic created by Matthew Emmer (CORFA/Friends of Savannah NWR) and Eden Taylor (Refuge Association)
• Please download them and use them as your profile and cover photo on social media! Share a post or even add your organization’s logo to the top. 
• Have you, your Friends group, or refuge been mentioned in the media in relation to the mass firings? We’re compiling press coverage and quotes—please send us any articles or mentions you’ve received!

Presenter

Desirée Sorenson-Grovesre-joined the Refuge Association in October 2024 as the President and CEO. Her career has been focused on protecting and enhancing the National Wildlife Refuge System, first as a grassroots organizer for the National Audubon Society, then as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Refuge Association. After 14 years at NWRA, Sorenson-Groves became the Director of the Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign where she managed an Indigenous-led, multi-pronged effort to stop any development in the Arctic Refuge. She comes back to NWRA after leading Defenders of Wildlife’s public and private lands programs as their Vice President of Land & Habitat Conservation. She has a B.A. in Geography from George Washington University and resides in Fort Valley, VA with her husband and two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.