You Give The Refuge System a National Voice…One Refuge at a Time.

As a Friends Group member, volunteer or employee of the National Wildlife Refuge System, you know how important these lands are to conserving America's diverse wildlife heritage.

With more than 540 units, one or more in all 50 states plus U.S. territories, now encompassing 94 million acres - an area about the size of Montana - you know that the National Wildlife Refuge System is vital to the survival of thousands of bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian, fish and plant specfies. But, you also know that these magnificent national treasures are threatened by massive funding shortages, insufficient personnel, inadequate water supplies, harmful legislative initiatives and activities on and adjacent to refuges that endanger their conservation purpose. While hard-working refuge professionals do all that they can to counter these threats, help from local citizens at refuges across the country makes an enormous difference.

As you know, the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) is America's only national organization whose sole purpose is to protect, enhance and expand the National Wildlife Refuge System. We join local refuge Friends Groups and volunteers in building community support for these special lands. Together, and with your help, we must increase our assistance to refuges across the country by volunteering our time and educating decision-makers in Washington, D.C., about refuge needs.

You're Part of Something Special.

As a refuge supporter, you provide vital strength to your local refuge and to the national system. And you are making a measurable difference. Your efforts to educate the public about the importance of our refuges and your time invested in improving your local refuge combine to ensure that refuges meet their important conservation objectives. You also help ensure that children and adults alike have the invaluable opportunity to experience and appreciate our natural world.

You're a Natural Resource.

No one knows the wildlife refuges better than their Friends Groups and committed, interested people like you. With your first-hand knowledge and a passion for conservation, you become the best advocate for your refuge and you know the actions required to ensure its continued success. An important part of what we do to build support for refuges is to educate decision-makers about the frailty of these natural wonders and the irreplaceable species that depend on them.

You're Crucial to Our Success.

NWRA plays a critical role as the lead advocate for the Refuge System. We simply must have a strong, active and vocal membership. And that means you. For the Refuge System to meet the substantial challenges of the present and future, refuges need your support locally through your involvement in Friends Groups or as a volunteer or, as a refuge professional, and nationally as a member of the National Wildlife Refuge Association.

Without your local involvement, individual refuges cannot achieve their conservation objectives. Without your financial support, NWRA cannot achieve its important goals for the Refuge System or provide valuable resources to Friends Groups such as skills-building workshops, educational materials and timely information about refuge issues.

Your Next Move is Your Most Important Move.

You're in a unique position. It's a position that directly affects the success of your local refuge, and the NWRA to fulfill its mission to protect, enhance and expand the Refuge System. Like us, you have a passion for refuges and the wildlife that depend on them for survival. Decide today to join the partnership that is making a difference for refuges everywhere.

Find your local friends group.