On March 1, 1934, President Franklin Roosevelt appointed political cartoonist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling to be chief of the U.S. Biological Survey. Darling urged the president to convene a conference in Washington D.C. to bring together individuals, organizations and agencies interested in the restoration and conservation of wildlife resources. Even then, America's land, water and wildlife were threatened. Recognizing the link between the people's health, the environment and our quality of life, conference participants set out to protect them all. They understood that it would take millions of informed, motivated people to do the job.

The conference took place from February 3-7, 1936 and was called the North American Wildlife Conference. Darling resigned his position with the Biological Survey just before the conference.

At this conference an organization was created and was called the General Wildlife Federation. Darling was elected president. The first annual meeting was held March 3, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri. The General Wildlife Federation became the National Wildlife Federation in 1938.

Today, the National Wildlife Federation is America's conservation organization protecting wildlife for our children's future.

• We helped return wolves to Yellowstone National Park.

• We are guiding efforts to protect the places endangered whooping cranes and Florida panthers call home.

• We defend America's safeguards and safe-havens for wildlife.

• We build consensus-based solutions for wildlife where we can. We take the case for wildlife to courts when we must.

We believe education is the key to creating a world where wildlife thrives. We teach children, families and concerned citizens how they can help protect wildlife. We connect homeowners to nature through our Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ program.

We inspire millions to speak and act for wildlife through our website and award-winning magazines. We publish Ranger Rick® magazine which has guided generations of children, opening their eyes and minds and hearts to the mysteries and wonders of wildlife and the natural world. We bring families together for outdoor adventures to experience first-hand the thrill of interacting with the natural world.

We represent the power and commitment of four million members and supporters joined by affiliated wildlife organizations in 47 states and territories. We channel the energy of thousands of volunteers from all walks of life to take action because they care about wildlife. We unite Americans in their shared value of wildlife conservation.