She was named the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Volunteer of the Year in 1998, and received the service’s Special Commendation for Valuable Service in 1996. She is also the recipient of the Sanibel, Fla., Golden Spike Award in recognition of outstanding service to the community.

A former professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and administrator of the school’s graduate program, Dr. Krival began volunteering with her husband, Art, at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge shortly after moving to Florida in 1988.

"This is a special year for the National Wildlife Refuge System, because we are celebrating its centennial anniversary," said Steve Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "We should all recognize that the contributions of volunteers like Molly Krival make it possible for us to conserve these wonderful places and provide opportunities for the public to enjoy them."

The only system of federal lands devoted specifically to wildlife, the National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of diverse and strategically located habitats. The system teems with millions of migratory birds, serves as a haven for hundreds of endangered species, and hosts an enormous variety of other plants and animals. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

-FWS-