Virginia News Connection
As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, Defenders of Wildlife is using the milestone to urge Americans to view wildlife protection as part of the nation’s story.
The conservation group has launched a yearlong public engagement campaign with the message, “Out in the wild, there is no left or right.”
Laura Sheehan, senior vice president of external affairs for Defenders of Wildlife, said the goal is to bring people together around the wild places that help define the country.
“When we talk to everyday people, wildlife is not a divisive issue,” Sheehan emphasized. “In fact, it’s a unifying issue, because it’s one place that we love to go out into nature and to see wildlife together.”
The campaign, called “We Are Closer Than You Think,” seeks to frame wildlife conservation as a shared national value rather than a partisan cause. Sheehan added the anniversary offers a chance to connect the country’s founding ideals with the landscapes and species that have shaped American identity.
She noted another goal is to imagine the next 250 years, including the future of national parks, wildlife refuges and landmark laws such as the Endangered Species Act.
“It’s a broad-based communications campaign that’s inclusive of paid media, advertising, earned media stories, articles and just getting the word out about wildlife issues and how important they are to us as a people and as a nation,” Sheehan outlined.
Sheehan stressed the timing is deliberate: The country’s 250th birthday comes during a period of sharp political division, as habitats face pressure from development, climate change and policy fights.
She underscored Defenders of Wildlife hopes to position American wildlife alongside other symbols of national importance.
“One of the ways that we’re celebrating is literally by draping our headquarters in Washington, D.C., with a broad message that says, ‘Out in the wild, there is no left or right,’” Sheehan explained. “In fact, we all value our shared love of wildlife and wild places.”
