Margaret Murie contributed to the creation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
On December 6, 1960, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) was established, thanks in large part to the efforts of Margaret Murie. Mardy, alongside her husband Olaus, lobbied tirelessly for the protection of this pristine wilderness area. Their work culminated in President Dwight D. Eisenhower signing the act that preserved over eight million acres in northeastern Alaska. This was a significant victory for conservationists, marking a critical point in the U.S. environmental movement. The formation of ANWR protected crucial wildlife habitats and highlighted the importance of preserving natural landscapes as a national priority.