Conserving the Future: Wildlife Refuges and the Next Generation

Volunteers perform about one fifth of all the work done on America's national wildlife refuges. (Image: Robert G. Allen)

The Beatles’ hit, “A Little Help from My Friends” could easily be the theme song of the National Wildlife Refuge System, but the title would need to be changed to “A Lot of help from my Friends.”

Ever since its establishment in 1903, citizen volunteers eager to help with the wildlife conservation mission of the system have been critical to the survival of refuges.

Refuge “Friends” groups are a key part of the volunteer equation. More than 200 Friends groups have been created, and another 10 are added each year. Every year, refuge Friends and volunteers perform roughly one-fifth of all the work done on America’s 553 national wildlife refuges. This work includes conducting educational programs, organizing hunts and fishing derbies, removing invasive species and planting native vegetation, helping with habitat conservation projects, responding to crises like this year’s BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, and assisting with wildlife and bird counts. This is a huge contribution—the equivalent of 665 full-time employees worth $28 million. Friends groups also raise private funds to help refuges purchase needed equipment or complete special projects.

The National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act, passed by Congress on December 17, is a fitting end-of-year acknowledgement of the role volunteers have played—and must continue to play in order for the refuge system to survive and thrive in the future. The new law will increase citizen volunteer opportunities in refuges, and will help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develop a national strategy to coordinate refuge volunteer efforts.

As we work to articulate a new vision for the refuge system, the historic and continuing role of volunteers must be a key focus. Should we have a goal of increasing the number of Friends groups to one for every refuge? Create nationally recognized Friends training programs? Increase the number of urban volunteers? Involve more young people in volunteering? Add your thoughts in the comment section below.

Joan Patterson, Director of Grassroots Outreach, National Wildlife Refuge Association