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When Continuing the Dream
When the new visitor center opened in 2011, the Ellen Allen classroom needed to be razed. Since then, we have envisioned an outdoor amphitheater at that site to give the many children who visit the refuge another opportunity to learn about nature and the environment. The site will include benches and interactive areas to enhance the educational experience. The site is just east of the visitor center and already has a path installed.
In 2018, we began to put the dream in motion by using the proceeds from our Silent Auction program. The program gave refuge visitors the opportunity to bid on framed wildlife artworks provided by Friends Tom and Shirley Horner. The money raised was used to complete phase 1 of the project. We built two seat walls for presentations and a bear claw sand area for fun.
In the next phase, we laid out a trail system and locations for interactive signs to educate and entertain our young guests, To fund this effort, we used our very successful “Giving Tree” promotion and grants. We received a generous grant from the Green Bay Packer Foundation and have added an eagle nest that kids can climb in and add sticks. In addition, the Horners generously donated a beautiful carved eagle to enhance the experience. A recent wind storm has delayed progress on the site but refuge staff and volunteers are working hard to get it open again.
When you visit the refuge and the Visitor Center, I’m sure you have seen the beautiful tree painted on the wall leading to the patio. That “Giving Tree” was painted by Jay Jocham, a nationally recognized artist and proud Friends member to symbolize the gateway to the refuge and its many adventures. We have given the tree life by placing “leaves” on it that have been donated by many of our Friends. There are three levels of leaves: Gold – $500; Silver – $250.00 and Copper – $100.00. Each leaf is personalized with your message and the year of your donation. There is a convenient form below for you to use.
All donations to the Friends of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge are tax deductible and your employer may be willing to match your contribution under their charitable plan.
We want to thank you in advance for your contribution and your continuing support of our efforts. These projects are all important and we know you will support them by volunteering and/or sending your check today. For now, send your check to Friends of NNWR, N11385 Headquarters Rd, Necedah WI 54646. Our new and improved website has the PayPal option available for you but time is critical so act now.
Thank you for visiting Friends of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.
“Our vision is connecting people with wildlife and nature today, tomorrow and forever”
The Refuge Needs You!
Founded by a small group of dedicated volunteers in 1999, the Friends have grown to almost three hundred members around the world. We are nationally recognized for our innovations and initiatives in volunteerism. Our mission is simple: We take a leadership role in promoting public use and enjoyment of our refuge by encouraging and facilitating environmental education and community outreach. We give our time, talent, funds and spirit to support the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge’s work and conservation efforts while advocating for the broader mission of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, all contributions as tax-deductible to the full extent of current law.
The Friends of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge Mission Statement:
- Take a leadership role promoting public use and enjoyment of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.
- Encourage and facilitate environmental education and community outreach.
- Give our time, funds and spirit in support of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge’s work & conversation efforts.
- Advocate for the mission of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
New Opportunities
The need for volunteers for a variety of activities at the refuge is greater than ever.. Please go to the GET INVOLVED page for your chance to volunteer this year.
Whooper News
Thanks to the efforts of Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership, the recovery is working great. Check out their website for the latest news. Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership.
For additional information on the whereabouts of other whooping cranes please visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Getting Here . . .
Located in central Wisconsin, Necedah National Wildlife Refuge is 180 miles southeast of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and 150 miles northwest
of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The refuge lies north of Highway 21 and west of Highway 80, with all but a few acres in Juneau County.
To reach the main entrance and office complex, travel 15 miles east on Highway 21 from Interstate 94 at Tomah, Wisconsin; or about three
miles west on Highway 21 from Necedah, Wisconsin. Turn north onto Headquarters Road and travel about two miles to the headquarters.
Friends of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
N11385 Headquarters Rd., Necedah WI 54646
Phone: 608-565-2551
Email:contact@friendsofnnwr.org