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Friends . . . we all need them.
The National Wildlife Refuge System
(NWRS) has always been fortunate to have people willing to volunteer
their time to assist their local refuges in meeting the goals and
mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The contributions of
our volunteers to wildlife conservation have been immeasurable. Refuge
volunteers are no longer referred to as just volunteers but instead
they are referred to as friends.
A friend helps out when you need them; they’re always there for you .
. . and that’s exactly the kind of assistance refuges around the
nation are enjoying more and more through volunteer efforts. That’s
why the National Wildlife Refuge System developed the Friends of
National Wildlife Refuges program in 1996. Most all of the 544
national wildlife refuges in the NWRS now have the luxury of having
friends united in “Associations” to provide assistance in all aspects
of refuge management.
In 1999, the Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge (CRNWR) started its
own Friends Association when they asked a few unique, talented,
conservation-minded individuals to begin a support association called
THE FRIENDS OF THE CLARKS RIVER NWR. The Friends of the Clarks River
NWR are private citizens gathered into a non-profit organization for
the purpose of helping the refuge meet its goals. We also promote
conservation and appreciation of the outdoors, and awareness of the
needs of the natural environment and its inhabitants. We work hard to
build community awareness regarding the needs of the refuge, as well
as to communicate to the community the opportunities for outdoor
education and recreation available through the refuge. We’re even
involved in educational opportunities for local schools and youth
organizations, and offer opportunities for Eagle Scouts, FFA, and 4H
members to plan and carry out projects so we can assist them in
meeting their goals.
The Friends of the Clarks River NWR are an invaluable resource for the
refuge. Take a few minutes to check out what we’re doing, what we’re
planning, and how you can have fun and learn more about the refuge by
becoming a Friend! |
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