The Role of The National Wildlife Federation

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The Role of The National Wildlife Federation

For more than 70 years now, the National Wildlife Federation has been one of the most important environmental organizations in the United States. Perhaps you have heard of the National Wildlife Federation but you are not sure what their role is. Is the National Wildlife Federation an official government agency? Not quite. Read on to find out all about the basic role of the National Wildlife Federation.

In their official mission statement, the National Wildlife Federation states that the organization's goal is to inspire all Americans to care about and protect wildlife and keep it intact so that future generations may enjoy it. The National Wildlife serves as an important organization that bridge all levels of governments with concerned citizens to provide protection for our priceless wildlife.

The history of the National Wildlife Federation is long and interesting. The history of the National Wildlife Federation stems back to President Franklin Roosevelt's administration, to the time when he appointed Jay Norwood Darling as chief of the U.S. Biological Survey. Darling had previously worked as a political cartoonist. Darling, once appointed to the U.S. Biological Survey, urged President Roosevelt to put together a special conference in Washington D. C. that would bring together organizations, individuals, and all kinds of agencies that had expressed concern or interest in protecting the wildlife of the United States. This very special conference set the events into motion that would be the basis of the National Wildlife Federation.

This very special conference was known as the North American Wildlife Conference and it took place in February of 1936. Just prior to the convening of this special conference, Darling left his post as the head of the U.S. Biological Survey. During the North American Wildlife Conference, a new organization was founded, known then as the General Wildlife Federation, and Darling was quickly elected as its president. The first meeting of this new organization was set for St. Louis for March 3, 1937. Soon after this, the organization was officially renamed as the National Wildlife Federation. Today this organization plays a very important role in the conservation of America's priceless wildlife.

The basic role of the National Wildlife Federation, then, is to preserve this nation's wildlife habitats and species for further generations to enjoy. The National Wildlife Federation has been instrumental in rehabilitating many diverse habitats and species. For instance, the National Wildlife Federation has been credited with helping to return the wolf population to Yellowstone National Park. The National Wildlife Federation has also been given credit for putting together plans and guiding the restoration of endangered habitats and species, including the Florida panther population, grizzly bear populations, and whooping cranes.

The National Wildlife Federation considers itself the United States' premier conservation organization. The National Wildlife Federation devotes many resources to educating young children about the importance of protecting our nation's wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation sponsors a unique program known as the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program that helps homeowners connect with the nature in their own backyard. The National Wildlife Federation also publishes a popular conservation magazine for children known as Ranger Rick. The National Wildlife Federation also puts together many interactive programs for families and children that are interested in connecting to local wildlife.

Much of the strength of the National Wildlife Federation stems from its large membership numbers. The National Wildlife Federation boasts over four million members and a long history of dedicated service to America's wildlife. With such a long membership roster, the National Wildlife Federation is also one of the most powerful and effective of all the major environmentally minded action groups. The National Wildlife Federation boasts thousands of volunteers across the United States who are dedicated to the organization's goal to preserve our nation's wildlife.