Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

For the month of November, the Iowa Taproom is hosting a charity flight where proceeds from the flight go directly to the support of the Refuge. Have a night out with good food and ask for the Charity flight at Iowa Taproom.

Let’s go to the The Iowa Taproom! 🍺🍔

📍 215 E 3rd St #100, Des Moines, IA

Go to the official Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge website. NSNWR was established in 1990 with the purpose to protect, restore and reconstruct and manage native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow.

The power of a Friends group is its members. Become a member today to support projects that benefit both wildlife and people at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.

Friend’s volunteers are a vital part to accomplishing our mission and projects at Neal Smith NWR. We welcome volunteers of all talents, ages and backgrounds. Learn how you can volunteer today.

News and Events

Photo Contest
The photo contest entry window is now closed. 41 entries were received. Judging is now commencing. The winners will be announced and notified after Nov 1st. A contestant reception Nov 23 from 1pm - 3pm at the Prairie City Library. Further information regarding entry pick up will be emailed to all entrants as we are still working out the details.
Rules, details, awards, deadlines and instructions

Attention Birders!
Eli Kenyon from Big Bluestem Audubon Society will conduct a Birding walk at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The walk will be held Nov 16, 2024 at 8:30 am. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Participants will meet in the Visitor Center parking lot and then car pool to the Basswood trail. The walk will be cancelled if inclement weather occurs. Notification of cancellation will be posted on the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge's Facebook page and on this website.

Field Notes
Check out the notes from the interns on the important work they are doing at the Refuge. Find explanations of their work and why it is vital to the sustainability of the Refuge.

Read the latest issue of “Prairie Wind”, the newsletter of the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Volume 31 - Number 3 Fall 2024

The Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Nature Store is closed in the Visitor Center which is also closed due to the extensive storm damage in July. While the The Friends is exploring options, currently the Nature Store does not have a home. Watch this site and the Friends Facebook page for updates on the Nature Store.