About
Friends of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge holds an annual duck-banding event for Friends members and their families.
Credit: USFWS
"We need our Friends groups now more than ever.”
Dan Ashe, Director U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The first Refuge Friends organizations started in the 1980s. Today, about 220 private, independent, nonprofit organizations build links between communities and their national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries.
Friends organizations partner with national wildlife refuges to conduct public events, teach the community about conservation, restore habitat, maintain trails, coordinate volunteers, operate nature stores and raise funds.
Publications, training courses, grants, network and skill-building opportunities and a customized mentor program are offered by the Refuge System to Friends.
For more information, contact the National Friends Coordinator at 703-358-2392.
For information about Friends program partners:
National Wildlife Refuge Association
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Click here to find a refuge Friends group near you.