We are thrilled to have welcomed 46 new members to the Friends of Neal Smith NWR since December 2024. This marks one of our largest membership gains in recent memory. This was in large part due to the Friends’ year-end fundraising and membership drive which reached 1,500 households across the region. Thank you to everyone who responded to the letter and supported the Refuge’s important work.

To our new members, we are excited to have you with us, you are joining at a critical time. Your involvement plays a vital role in helping us continue our mission of connecting the public with Iowa’s native landscapes. The support of all our members, both new and returning, is more critical than ever as we navigate the challenges of keeping the Refuge accessible, especially with the ongoing closure of the Visitor Center and challenges brought on by reduced federal support.

The National Wildlife Refuge System is not immune to the current federal cuts and freezes. Funding for the refuge system has been in decline for many years but even steeper cuts will make issues more acute. The Friends are prepared to support the Refuge as we are able and will use our voice to advocate for this special place.

I encourage you to call, write or email your members of U.S. Congress, let them know why you care about Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, and express your concern that with further cuts there won’t be enough funding to ensure the health and safety of the public and visitors to the refuge system.

We are truly grateful for your support—whether through your membership, donations, volunteer efforts, or advocacy. Even in the face of these challenges, we are making a meaningful impact and we look forward to seeing what we can do together in the coming year.