WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUNE 20TH, 2024 – Wayne Selfridge, a dedicated volunteer at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Maine, has been named the 2024 Refuge Volunteer of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. This award recognizes Wayne’s outstanding contributions to the operation and management of the refuge, highlighting his extraordinary commitment, leadership, and innovative problem-solving.
For over 20 years, Wayne has dedicated his talents, experience, and thousands of hours to the refuge. He served as the first president of the Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge for over 15 years. Wayne’s long-term dedication has been instrumental in fostering strong community relationships and ensuring the Aroostook NWR’s continued operation.
The Refuge Volunteer of the Year Award honors and celebrates the invaluable contributions of passionate volunteers of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards celebration and ceremony will be held on September 18th at 5:30 pm at the prestigious Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. Media coverage of this event is highly encouraged.
“Wayne’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts have been instrumental in keeping the Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge operational, especially during challenging times when the refuge was de-staffed,” said Geoffrey L. Haskett, President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “His exceptional leadership, innovative thinking, and ability to foster strong community relationships make him an invaluable asset to the refuge and an inspiration to volunteers nationwide.”
Wayne Selfridge has demonstrated remarkable accomplishments and attributes, including:
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Personal Dedication: Wayne has spent 2-3 days per week over the last 20 years working alongside refuge staff at Aroostook NWR. When the refuge was de-staffed in 2016, Wayne effectively took over as the manager, ensuring the refuge remained open to the public. Wayne manages the day-to-day operations of the refuge, including purchasing fuel, scheduling contract work, and handling administrative tasks, all while coordinating with USFWS staff stationed three hours away.
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Effective Use of Job Talents: Drawing from his career with the U.S. Air Force at Loring Air Force Base, Wayne serves as a historian, maintenance worker, visitor services specialist, facility manager, administrative assistant, biologist, and supervisor at the refuge.
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Training and Mentoring Volunteers: Wayne has onboarded and mentored countless volunteers, providing orientation and training to individuals and large groups, including scouts and community organizations.
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Innovation in Problem-Solving: Wayne consistently proposes new ideas, such as developing an interpretive trail connecting refuge trails with adjacent Mi’kmaq Nation lands, enhancing the visitor experience and providing educational opportunities to tribal families.
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Effectiveness in Public Engagement: Wayne organizes annual interpretive events for local school groups and volunteer opportunities for scout groups. He also deals effectively with law enforcement issues, drawing from his background as a retired MP and chief of police.
Join us in celebrating Wayne Selfridge’s remarkable contributions to wildlife conservation at the 2024 Wildlife Refuge Awards. Visit refugeassociation.org/awards to learn more.
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The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to 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.
For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Communications Manager at [email protected].
