In February 2005 key refuge partners held a workshop titled "Let's Build a Refuge We All Will Love."  More than 75 people attended and learned about the benefits of establishing a "Friends Organization" for Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.  All gave their strong support for building a "Friends-Type" organization. 

In May 2005, Ms. Mary Bohling of DTE Energy and Refuge Manager John Hartig attended the “Friends” course at the National Conservation Training Center.  In August 2005, two refuge mentors (Mr. Rob Jess, Refuge Manager of Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Mr. Max Shenk of the National Wildlife Refuge Association) visited our refuge to lead a very successful local workshop on starting a "friends" group. 

Finally, in October 2005, the International Wildlife Refuge Alliance (IWRA) was established.  The IWRA's mission is "to support the first International Wildlife Refuge in North America by working through partnerships to protect, conserve and manage the refuge's wildlife and habitats, and to create exceptional conservation, recreational and educational experiences to develop the next generation of conservation stewards." 

An interim board was established made up of: Mr. George Mans (Chairperson), Ms. Anita Twardesky (Vice-Chairperson), Ms. Molly Luempert Coy (Secretary), Mr. Dick Micka (Treasurer), Dr. Bruce Jones, Mr. Dick Whitwam, Ms. Andrea Kline, Dr. Jim Bull, Mr. Ed Nuernberg, and Mr. Lloyd Semple.  Ms. Mary Bohling serves as an interim facilitator for the Alliance. 

The establishment of the IWRA represents a major step in capacity building.  To help kick-off the establishment of our IWRA, partners are planning a major celebration and fund-raiser on Saturday, April 29, 2006.  The goal is to celebrate the establishment of our IWRA and raise start-up money for the first year.  This will afford the opportunity to hire a staff person for the organization and continue the momentum established for the refuge.  Eventually, the IWRA will be housed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wayne County, and other organizations at the refuge gateway facility being designed next to the Humbug Marsh Unit in Trenton.  This is a unique opportunity to reach and teach the next generation of conservationists and environmental stewards.