On the Refuge

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex) thanks its many volunteers for their service in 2013. Willapa, Julia Butler Hansen and Lewis & Clark National Wildlife Refuges are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a nationwide network of lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service specifically for wildlife.

In 2013, volunteers dedicated more than 4000 hours of time to the Refuges. The Complex thanks each of our volunteers for their service and honors the following people who contributed more than 250 hours, including: Floyd Sinclair, Janet Sinclair, Jim Ferrier, Julie Tennis, Dr. Madeline Kalbach, Marie Fernandez, Rollin Bannow, Ron Craig, Rose Power, Russ Lewis, Sandra Nielson, and Suzy Whittey. Those who give 250 hours or more of service to Federal agencies qualify for an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass, allowing them free access to federal fee sites for one year.

Area groups and service organizations play a role in conservation, too! Thanks to members of Boy Scouts of America Troop 409 Portland, Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network, Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Ilwaco Middle School Science Club, Rotary Club of Southwest Pacific County, Ocean Park Elementary 6th Grade, Rebuilding Together of Pacific County, and Shoalwater Birders.

There are many avenues for volunteering at the Complex and all volunteers have offered their talents and time for a valuable contribution to wildlife conservation. Some get their hands dirty while surveying, data collecting, and performing trail maintenance. Others use their creative outlets such as photography and videography to contribute to the refuges’ websites and other forms of media. Many volunteer their time with local students for the Environmental Education program. The assistance of volunteers, no matter how big or small, continues to be a vital contribution to the mission of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex. You can be part of the refuge team too! Contact the Refuge at willapa@fws.gov or 360-484-3482 for more information on how you can help wildlife.