What Friends Do

We promote conservation of the natural and cultural resources of the Washington Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and engage in educational, charitable, scientific, and civic activities that increase public awareness and assist management in accomplishing Refuge goals.

The pandemic of 2020 introduced new challenges for our ability to support the Refuge as we normally would. An increase in the amount of visitors combined with volunteer restrictions has been frustrating at times. Friends strive to continue to support the Refuge and its wildlife as much as possible.

Friends Accomplishments of 2020

Volunteer Support:
• Hosted the volunteer recognition banquet

Environmental Education:
• Planning for Dungeness Discovery Day 2020 (canceled due to Covid)
• Purchased supplies for Dungeness Discovery Day
• Outreach to dozens of community organizations for their involvement
• Funded and awarded Maxwell Conservation Awards to two Sequim High School Seniors

Refuge Protection:
• Worked to protect our Refuge and refuges across the country
• Commercial Oyster farm in Dungeness Refuge tidelands

Plans for the Future: (in partnership with Refuge staff)
• Video on the restoration of Protection Island
• Dungeness Discovery Day (now planned for 2022)

Donations:
• Friends accepted donations via the Friends web site
• Friends was the featured charity by Sequim Sunrise Rotary in October for fund-raising, earning over $2,700.

2021 Goals

Many goals will be dependent on Covid restrictions

Volunteer Support
• Provide lunch for volunteer training
• Host annual volunteer recognition banquet
• Provide food for the end-of-season picnic

Environmental Education
• Planning for Dungeness Discovery Day 2022
• Protection Island video
• Organize digital educational events for Friends members, volunteers, and public
• Support local high school students pursuing wildlife conservation careers with Maxwell Awards

Environmental Restoration
• Monitor and remove green crab
• Remove non-native plants and plant native species on Refuge property
• Assist with growing new native plants for future planting (Garry oak, golden paintbrush, etc.)

Fundraising
• Obtain grants for funding projects that support the Refuge
• Engage with community to develop event sponsor relationships

Outreach
• Publish four newsletters
• Engage with community through social media

Refuge Protection
• Inform public about harmful effects of aquaculture and fireworks near the Refuge
• Inform volunteers about developments that may impact the Refuge via newsletter and email
• Engage with local government officials

 

Want to help Friends reach these goals? You can make a donation or join us.