• About Us

• Contact Us

• What's New

Friends of Midway Atoll NWR

Friends of the Refuge

Most national wildlife refuges derive their funding through congressional appropriations, but dozens of refuges benefit directly through the efforts of "Friends" organizations. These groups typically originate when individuals in the communities surrounding a particular refuge come together because of their common interest in its welfare. Friends groups help to ensure that refuge lands are adequately protected and that their mission is not compromised. They also play a critical role in helping the public to learn about and to understand the value of refuges. Some Friends groups may become nonprofit organizations and function under formal, written agreements that define their relationship with a refuge.

Some of the earliest Friends groups were left to their own devices, trying to build an organization from scratch. Now, there is a national initiative underway to facilitate the development of new Friends groups with the help of others and the guidance of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, the only national membership organization dedicated solely to protecting and perpetuating the National Wildlife Refuge System. For more information on the Friends Initiative, the NWRA and refuge activities around the country, click on Refuge Net.

A Friends group has formed in support of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. It draws on a wide variety of enthusiastic supporters....World War II veterans, former residents, history buffs, naturalists and a growing list of recent visitors who have left the refuge with a new-found commitment to this wonderful place. If you are interested in becoming a supporting member of the Friends group, please visit the website for more information or send your name and address to friendsofmidway@aol.com.

The Friends of Midway Atoll also operate a gift shop on Midway offering educational books, tee shirts, postcards, posters, and other items. Some of these items are also available on the Friends' website. All profits are used for the betterment o fthe refuge.