Neighbors of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge:

The Refuge is in need of a “Friends of the Wallkill Wildlife Refuge” organization. The “Friends” is an organization of the neighbors and friends of the Refuge as well as all interested people who use the Refuge, such as birders, hunters, canoers and hikers. The purpose of such an organization is to educate, help out with the work, fund raising, and to address local, county, state and national political issues that impact the refuge.

The Wildlife Refuge system is National and the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, spreads into two states and five municipalities. That means there are many elected officials we need to work with and educate.

The Refuge itself was established in 1990 with the mission to protect plants, animals and habitats along the Wallkill River, as well as the river's water quality. The Refuge also promotes wildlife dependent recreation, including environmental education, wildlife observation and photography, interpretation, hunting and fishing.

Refuge employees are Federal employees. There are limitations to what they are allowed to do. There is also far more work that needs to be done than they are able to do.

What this requires of you depends on how much you would like be involved. You can be active, participating every week, or just receiving our newsletter. If you are interested in protecting the Wallkill Wildlife Refuge, please contact me or the Refuge office.

Marie Springer

201-660-8880

marie@friendsofwallkillrivernwr.org