Washington, DC

Habitat loss is one of the main drivers of the biodiversity crisis and today, Urban National Wildlife Refuge Day, is a call to action. We must act to protect habitat for imperiled species and provide access to nature for all- specifically in Riverside County, California, one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. 

“Many Americans think wildlife refuges can only exist far away from cities and highly populated areas. By protecting remaining habitat and providing equitable access to nature, Riverside County could be a leading example that shows how highly urbanized areas can play a critical role in the future of conservation,” said Pamela Flick, California program director with Defenders of Wildlife.

Defenders of Wildlife is working with the Hispanic Access Foundation to urge the California Delegation and all members of Congress to act swiftly to pass legislation to establish the Western Riverside County National Wildlife Refuge in Southern California. If enacted, this legislation would protect vulnerable species, help close the nature gap for underserved populations, and support sustainable development.


 

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

Media Contact

News

Image
Polar bear on beaufort sea ice
Washington, DC

Trump Proposal Puts America’s Most Vulnerable and Valuable Coastal Resources in the Crosshairs

Protected areas across United States coasts are in the sights of a new oil and gas drilling proposal released on Thursday by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.
Image
A Canada lynx runs through a snow covered ground. Only the front half of it's body shows in the photo, filling the frame. The lynx is looking up.
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Seeks ESA Regulatory Rollbacks, Risks Accelerating Extinction for America’s Most Vulnerable Wildlife

In a move that could accelerate the extinction crisis we face today, the Trump administration today proposed significant changes to the regulations implementing the Endangered Species Act, which, for more than 50 years, has served as the backstop to America’s most imperiled wildlife.