Volunteer Schmidt checking nature trail after October snow storm.

Volunteers removing debris from roads after October snow storm.

Volunteer Schmidt assisting with water control structure and pipe replacement.

In fiscal year 2007 the volunteers at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge contributed 5137 hours, an increase of 381 hours over FY 2006.  More than half of these hours were in refuge maintenance primarily maintaining nature trails, overlooks, grounds and refuge buildings to ensure that the refuge presents a welcoming impression to visitors.  Volunteers also maintained and surveyed bluebird, purple martin and wood duck nest boxes; maintained grassland habitat; presented interpretive programs on-site and off-site, assisted with special events; and staffed the visitor contact station. 

In October 2006 volunteers worked along refuge staff to clean-up after a freak winter storm which blanketed the area with 2 feet of wet snow bringing down trees, knocking out power and closing roads.  The refuge was closed for over a week while staff and volunteers cleared downed branches on access roads, nature trails and driveways. 

The refuge has 30 active volunteers.  Two volunteers were presented the new Interagency Volunteer Pass in recognition of contributing 500 volunteer hours since January 2007.  Carl Zenger received his pass in April and Robert Schmidt received his in June. 

The refuge holds meetings in March and August to distribute information and to recognize volunteers for their efforts.