The 2005 Friends Conference brought together non-profit Friends groups from Refuges across our National System. The groups varied from newly formed boards with only a few members, working on projects like education programs for kids and community outreach; to groups with hundreds of members, working on fundraising campaigns and political advocacy. Mrs. Stanley was joined at the Conference by fellow Alaskan Bruce Nelson, a Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge volunteer, as well as Refuge System employees Abbey Kucera, Poppy Benson, David Kenagy, Jimmy Fox, Mike Boylan, and Maeve Taylor. The team spent the weekend discussing successes and challenges with other Friends groups and learning how to develop a board, build membership, raise funds, write grants, create outreach strategies, and understand the federal budget process.

Mrs. Stanley and Mr. Nelson completed their trip by visiting with the staffs of Senator Lisa Murkowski and Chairman Don Young to discuss the needs of Alaska's Refuge System. Now, back in Alaska, the team is working with other Refuge volunteers to form an organized support group for our Refuge System ? Friends of Alaskan National Wildlife Refuges. For more information on how to become involved contact Maeve Taylor at (907) 786-3391, maeve_taylor@fws.gov.