The U.S. National Wildlife Refuge system protects some 150 million acres of land and water habitat from coast to coast, with at least one refuge in every state. We asked a panel of wildlife refuge experts, Patrick Comins (National Audubon Society), David Houghton (National Wildlife Refuge Association) and Collin O’Mara (National Wildlife Federation) to select 20 nominees from the country's 560 refuges. After four weeks of voting, the winners have been chosen and are as follows:
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge - Okla.
- J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge- Fla.
- Maine Coastal Islands Nat. Wildlife Refuge - Maine
- Vieques National Wildlife Refuge - Puerto Rico
- Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Texas
- Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
- Seney National Wildlife Refuge - Mich.
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Del.
- Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge - Hawaii
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Md.
Other nominees for Best National Wildlife Refuge included Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, National Elk Refuge, Klamath Basin Refuge Complex, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Bosque del Apache Nat. Wildlife Refuge, Rocky Mountain Arsenal Nat. Wildlife Refuge, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.
10Best and USA TODAY extend their congratulations to all the winners. The contest was promoted on 10Best and USA TODAY.
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The Experts
Patrick Comins
Patrick Comins began his career with the... Read More
Patrick Comins began his career with the Connecticut Audubon Society doing bird surveys at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and then worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a biological technician at the refuge. He has been with Audubon Connecticut, a state office of the National Audubon Society, as the director of bird conservation since 2000, overseeing Connecticut’s bird conservation programs. He was former president of the Connecticut Ornithological Association and the 2007 recipient of their Mabel Osgood Wright Award. Patrick is currently president of the Friends of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
Patrick Comins

Patrick Comins began his career with the Connecticut Audubon Society doing bird surveys at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and then worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a biological technician at the refuge. He has been with Audubon Connecticut, a state office of the National Audubon Society, as the director of bird conservation since 2000, overseeing Connecticut’s bird conservation programs. He was former president of the Connecticut Ornithological Association and the 2007 recipient of their Mabel Osgood Wright Award. Patrick is currently president of the Friends of the Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge.
David Houghton
David Houghton is the President of the National... Read More
David Houghton is the President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. The Refuge Association advocates for the 573 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System and Pacific Marine National Monuments. David has worked to add millions of acres to the Refuge System. David lives in Naples Florida and has been to more than 350 National Wildlife Refuges.
David Houghton

David Houghton is the President of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. The Refuge Association advocates for the 573 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System and Pacific Marine National Monuments. David has worked to add millions of acres to the Refuge System. David lives in Naples Florida and has been to more than 350 National Wildlife Refuges.
Collin O'Mara
Collin O’Mara is the President and CEO of the
Collin O’Mara is the President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest wildlife conservation organization. Under O’Mara’s leadership, NWF is protecting wildlife ranging from bison to monarch butterflies, ensuring healthy waters and sustainable habitats, advancing environmental education, and connecting people with the great outdoors. Prior to NWF, O’Mara led Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, where he led numerous regional clean air, clean water, youth recreation, and habitat restoration efforts, and he was a primary architect of the City of San Jose’s Green Vision. O’Mara lives in Delaware and spends every possible moment in nature with his daughter Riley.
Collin O'Mara

Collin O’Mara is the President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, America’s largest wildlife conservation organization. Under O’Mara’s leadership, NWF is protecting wildlife ranging from bison to monarch butterflies, ensuring healthy waters and sustainable habitats, advancing environmental education, and connecting people with the great outdoors. Prior to NWF, O’Mara led Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, where he led numerous regional clean air, clean water, youth recreation, and habitat restoration efforts, and he was a primary architect of the City of San Jose’s Green Vision. O’Mara lives in Delaware and spends every possible moment in nature with his daughter Riley.