Wild About Wildlife (WAW) is a Palm Beach–based fundraising and awareness initiative benefiting the National Wildlife Refuge Association. Through a series of community events, WAW unites conservation leaders, community supporters, and residents in support of the Refuge Association’s local programs benefiting Palm Beach County and South Florida.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is the only nonprofit exclusively focused on protecting, promoting, and enhancing the 850‑million‑acre National Wildlife Refuge System—the world’s largest network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife conservation.
In Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida, the Refuge Association leads the South Florida Urban Wildlife Refuge Project, a community‑driven conservation initiative that expands access to wildlife refuges and green spaces while empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. From hands‑on environmental education to green infrastructure and career pathways, signature programs such as Pocket Refuges and Floating Wetlands foster environmental stewardship and connection to nature while building a more resilient South Florida.
Wild About Wildlife is guided by community champions, conservationists, and philanthropists—led by Nancy Marshall, Emeritus Board Member and recipient of The Refuge Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and longtime Everglades advocate, and Dianne Bernstein, Chair and recipient of the inaugural Benjamin Franklin Award from the West Palm Beach Library Foundation for contributions to culture and community.
Frances Fisher
Nancy Marshall
Dianne Bernstein
Founded in 2019 by Palm Beach County advocates of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, Wild About Wildlife was created to advance the Refuge Association’s mission through local philanthropy, education, and engagement. Since its founding, the initiative has helped elevate awareness of conservation efforts in South Florida by translating community passion into meaningful support for the Refuge Association’s work.
Reflecting on continued growth and expanding impact, Wild About Wildlife has officially assembled its inaugural Advisory Board, bringing together respected civic leaders, philanthropists, and advocates committed to advancing environmental education and conservation throughout South Florida.
As the only nonprofit solely dedicated to advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that address refuge funding, management, and public engagement.
In South Florida, the Refuge Association leads the South Florida Urban Wildlife Refuge Project — a collaboration with the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and local partners. This initiative provides access to wildlife refuges and public lands, fosters environmental education, and supports green infrastructure and career pathways in conservation.
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