Long before her name stood at the entrance of a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the鈥痓et365下载ios鈥 for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge , Jocelyn Nungaray was known by her family and friends as a girl with a big spirit, who loved animals and enjoyed spending time in nature.
Jocelyn will now forever be remembered at a special place on the Texas coast, just east of Houston, where coastal prairie meets dense marsh, where colorful songbirds, delicate butterflies and gentle white-tailed deer seek refuge. It is here, at the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, where people of all walks of life can come to find peace, connection and purpose in the heart of nature.
鈥淛ocelyn once told me that the world would know her name,鈥 said Alexis Nungaray, Jocelyn鈥檚 mother.鈥淚t is bittersweet that it came true in this way. We wanted her to be known for her talents. But I know she would have loved having this place named for her. She would have loved seeing the animals free and where they belong.鈥
Jocelyn had a tender heart that extended to all living things. Though she was only 12 years old, she had a gift for noticing what others overlooked, whether it involved caring for stray kittens in her neighborhood or showing concern for injured wildlife, like the pigeon she once rescued. It was her sincerest wish that every creature on Earth could have a loving home like she did.
Jocelyn tragically lost her life in nearby Houston in June 2024.To help honor her wish and to pay tribute to Jocelyn鈥檚 compassion for animals, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum signed a Secretary鈥檚 Order on March 10 renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge, following an .
鈥淲e are proud that one of the crown jewels of the refuge system has been renamed for Jocelyn, and that this refuge's lasting conservation legacy will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting these special places for wildlife and the people who love nature,鈥 said Kristin Fritz-Grammond, Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Manager.
A Home for Wildlife, a Place to Enjoy Nature
The Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 39,000 acres of public land along the Texas Gulf Coast. The refuge encompasses a diverse and dynamic landscape that plays a crucial role in supporting a wide variety of birds, mammals, amphibians and insects. In addition, the refuge plays a vital role in public recreation and environmental education.
With the renaming of the refuge, the bet365下载ios embraced the theme of "a home for wildlife, a place to enjoy nature," reflecting Jocelyn鈥檚 caring heart for animals and our shared commitment to conservation.
This sentiment connects deeply with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System: protecting critically important habitat to benefit people and wildlife for generations to come. The Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge is a space for everyone to unplug and reconnect with nature. Whether it鈥檚 going on an auto tour, strolling along a trail, or sitting in solace in the butterfly garden, this refuge invites people of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.
鈥淎s we celebrate Jocelyn鈥檚 life by renaming this refuge, we invite everyone鈥攆amilies, youth, nature enthusiasts鈥攖o forge lasting connections with the refuge. Together, we can create a new tradition of appreciation for our natural world, ensuring a safe place for wildlife, just as Jocelyn would have wanted,鈥 said Fritz-Grammond.
Light, Love and Kindness
Jocelyn was more than a budding conservationist. In addition to her love for animals, she valued her time with her friends. Together they would choreograph dances, make funny videos and listen to music. Her mother loved hearing the endless sound of their laughter echoing from her room. For hobbies, Jocelyn was learning to bake and play the cello, and was also a talented video editor, posting her 鈥渇an edits鈥 to a growing audience online.
鈥淛ocelyn was the truest version of herself with her friends. It was in those moments that I saw the light, the love, the kindness and her spirit. She was a kind and generous friend,鈥 said Alexis.
One moment that stands out in Alexis鈥 memory is when Jocelyn brought home a box of toads she had collected because 鈥渟he wanted them to be together.鈥 While some parents might have grown weary with the stray cats and injured birds and boxes of toads, Alexis took it in stride.
鈥淛ocelyn taught me patience, to never take anything for granted, and to let the little things go,鈥 said Alexis. 鈥淚 learned that what matters most is to enjoy your children and their happiness.鈥
In world that often moves too fast, and forgets so much, the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge is a place to remember鈥攏ot only the gentle spirit of the young girl whose love for nature inspired its name, but the deeper truths she understood so well: that every creature matters, and every living thing deserves a home.
鈥淚n every dragonfly that floats by, in every flower that blooms, and in every song a bird sings, the spirit of Jocelyn lives on. While this refuge was renamed in response to a deep and tragic loss, we hope in the future it can rekindle joy, provide hope and inspire people to bring about a gentler, more caring world,鈥 said Fritz-Grammond.