Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

VISION

We envision a partnership that promotes awareness, support, education, and appreciation for the natural ecosystems of the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to bring together the public and a thriving refuge valued by all

FRIENDS TIMELINE

  • 1993 - Formed as Friends of Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge/Prairie Learning Center

  • 1997 - Opened bookstore in new Prairie Learning Center

  • 1999 - Developed Prairie Builders Intern Program with three interns

  • 2002 - Developed “People of the Prairie” Exhibit

  • 2008 - Purchased 840 acres with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation for future Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge expansion

  • 2009 - Established PCM (Prairie City-Monroe) High School Scholarship

  • 2012 - Changed name to Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

  • 2013 - Hosted first “Concert on the Prairie”

  • 2015 - Hosted first “Annual Winter Gathering” for Friends members

  • 2020 – National Wildlife Refuge Association’s “Friends Group of the Year”

  • 2020 - 1st Annual Spurs & Tails contest, held on opening day of pheasant season

  • 2021 - Hosted NWRA’s Young Ambassadors “Catch the Bison Spirit” Facebook Live event

    • OnCell app completed which is funded by the Friends

    • Through grants written by the Friends installed spotting scopes on the Overlook Trail, picnic table at the Savanna Trail, and a bike repair station by the Visitor Center

  • 2022 -

    • Inaugural “Walk for the Wild” 5K held

    • Friends assumed the organizing of exhibits for the Ding Darling Gallery in the Visitor Center

  • The Friends and the Refuge received the Public Lands Alliance Award

  • In connection with the Refuge being part of the Urban Wildlife Conservation Partnership, the Friends purchased 18 trail cameras and the supplies needed to install them.