Thank you to refuge volunteers

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex) thanks its many volunteers for their service in 2014. 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 2014, volunteers dedicated 5,400 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: Ron Craig, Kathy Freitas, Russ Lewis, Clayton Nichols, Floyd Sinclair, Janet Sinclair, 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.

Ron Craig was also recognized as Refuge Volunteer of the Year for donating over 800 hours of his time, energy and talents to the Refuge in 2014!

Area groups and service organizations play a role in conservation, too. Special thanks to the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge and Shoalwater Birders for all their efforts.

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 Team Willapa too! Contact the Refuge at willapa@fws.gov or 360-484-3482 for more information on how you can help wildlife.

For additional information about Willapa National Wildlife Refuge Complex visit: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/willapa.