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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250719T173000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20250719T204953Z
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SUMMARY:SHARE zoom call on July 22nd
DESCRIPTION:CORFA is hosting the next Friends SHARE zoom call on July 22nd at 4:00 pm EST. This month we are focusing on our wonderful volunteers! We will be sharing ideas and programs that different Friends groups use to recognize and honor their Friends volunteers. \nWe’d love to have you come prepared to share what you are doing\, have done\, or plan to do. What works? What lessons have you learned? What changes have you made? Given the current situation are your Friends volunteers stepping up to do more? How can we thank them for their time\, talent and treasure and let them know we value them? \nWe have three people willing to start the ball rolling by telling their stories: \n\nSamantha Zeiner\, Director of Operations\, Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge\nMaria Montag\, Board President\, Friends of California Condors Wild and Free\nRepresentative TBD\, Friends of Ding Darling\n\nFollowing these presentations and Q&A time\, we’ll have time for a quick rountable for any other announcements or questions. \nPlease join us on July 22nd at 4:00 pm EST and an RSVP to coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com by July 19th would be appreciated! Registration is required in advance to receive the zoom link \nOur August SHARE Call will be on August 26th at 4:00 pm EST and we will be having a fun book discussion focused on books that take place on a refuge\, involve the refuge system or FWS characters. They can be fiction or non-fiction. \nThe Zoom call is only for a member of a Friends group or their staff. Feel free to share this invite with your board members and other Friends groups. To ensure everyone can fully express themselves\, ask tough questions\, have their comments heard and respected\, and be assured that conflict will be respectful the call will not be recorded\, and we ask all participants to review and agree to our Safe Space Guidelines. \nHeads Up for August! \nKinda like 4th grade…we hope you will come prepared with a 3–5-minute book report on book you’ve read and share with us the title and author of course plus a summary and what you liked about the book. \nWe’re attaching the list of suggestions we have so far but please let us know if you have more and we’ll be glad to add them. \nWe are looking forward to getting together. \nCORFA’s Friends SHARE Team \nMike Baldwin\, Ceal Craig\, Cheryl Hart\, Joan Patterson\, Polly Sheppard\, Willem Stoeller\, Joan Van Gorp\, Kathy Woodward\, Tom Worthington\, Maria Montag
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/share-zoom-call-on-july-22nd/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250521T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250521T150000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20250508T131023Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T131023Z
UID:10000019-1747836000-1747839600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com
SUMMARY:Increasing Awareness & Support Of The Refuge System: Update On FWS's Branding Work
DESCRIPTION:During this webinar Kristen Gilbert from the Refuge System’s Division of Visitor Services and Communications will give an update on the FWS’s partnership called America’s Wildlife Refuges and the the on-going branding work to increase awareness and private support for the National Wildlife Refuge System. \nPresenter \n\nKristen Gilbert\, works in Division of Visitor Services and Communications for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Her career interests are improving the public’s user experience with America’s fish\, wildlife\, and habitats a.k.a. the National Wildlife Refuge System.  During her over two decade visitor services career that spans Utah\, Colorado\, Wyoming\, Alaska and headquarters\, she has managed visitors centers\, volunteers and collaborated with Friends groups in addition to bring innovative thinking and processes to the National Wildlife Refuge System as a whole.\n\nSign Up Now!
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/increasing-awareness-support-of-the-refuge-system-update-on-fwss-branding-work/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
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ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250430T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250430T140000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20250419T134557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250419T134557Z
UID:10000018-1746018000-1746021600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com
SUMMARY:Making Your Voice Heard: How to Write an Impactful Letter to the Editor or Op-Ed
DESCRIPTION:The opinion section of your local newspaper is one of the most influential spaces in your community. In these precarious times for refuges and conservation\, if you have considered writing a letter to the editor\, an op-ed or maybe even a blog post but didn’t know where to begin\, this webinar will give you a start. \nPresenters \n\nMatthew Emmer\, President\, Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges. Board Member\, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates.\nBill O’Brian writer-editor with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/National Wildlife Refuge System from 2010 to 2023. Before that: journalist for three decades\, including 23 years at the Washington Post\, where for a time he edited letters to the editor and local op-eds.\n\nSign Up!
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/making-your-voice-heard-how-to-write-an-impactful-letter-to-the-editor-or-op-ed/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Screenshot-2025-04-19-093938.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250314T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250314T150000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20250308T005522Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250312T191404Z
UID:10000013-1741960800-1741964400@coalitionofrefugefriends.com
SUMMARY:Capitol Conversations: Swift Changes Happening To The Refuge System— What Does It Mean?
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the 122nd birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System for a special webinar breaking down what’s happening in Washington\, D.C. and what it means for the Refuge System. Desirée Sorenson-Groves\, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association will discuss how recent and impending decisions by the new administration and Congress are impacting national wildlife refuges. \nSign Up at https://act.refugeassociation.org/a/webinar-capitol-conversations-spring-2025-gs \nPresenter \n\nDesirée Sorenson-Groves re-joined the Refuge Association in October 2024 as the President and CEO. Her career has been focused on protecting and enhancing the National Wildlife Refuge System\, first as a grassroots organizer for the National Audubon Society\, then as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Refuge Association. After 14 years at NWRA\, Sorenson-Groves became the Director of the Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign where she managed an Indigenous-led\, multi-pronged effort to stop any development in the Arctic Refuge. She comes back to NWRA after leading Defenders of Wildlife’s public and private lands programs as their Vice President of Land & Habitat Conservation. She has a B.A. in Geography from George Washington University and resides in Fort Valley\, VA with her husband and two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/capitol-conversations-swift-changes-happening-to-the-refuge-system-what-does-it-mean/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-07-184831.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250312T150000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20250305T170932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T185129Z
UID:10000012-1741788000-1741791600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com
SUMMARY:Rising to the Challenge: Introducing CORFA's New Tool to Help Friends Lead
DESCRIPTION:The National Wildlife Refuge System needs us now more than ever. CORFA believes that a strong Refuge System starts with strong Friends. Join us for a webinar introducing a new tool created to streamline collaboration\, connections\, and resource sharing in the Friends community. \nFor years\, Friends Groups have played an indispensable role in filling the gap between what refuges and hatcheries need\, and what they receive from the federal government. Whether through fundraising\, volunteering\, or event planning\, Friends have become a vital conduit connecting refuges and hatcheries with their local communities. Yet the gap between what these lands need and what they receive is widening\, and the need for and pressure on Friends has never been higher. Friends Groups are uniquely positioned to rise to the challenge – and CORFA has been hard at work to build a new tool that provides a platform for Friends around the country to organize and ensure refuges and hatcheries thrive. \nIn this session\, we’ll explore how the platform can benefit your group\, improve collaboration among Friends around the country\, and empower your efforts to support your local refuges and hatcheries. Whether you’re looking to increase volunteer participation\, simplify event planning\, or connect with other groups\, this tool is designed with your needs in mind. \nSign Up!\nPresenter \n\nDustin Braden is a board member of the Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates and a nonprofit consultant specializing in technology\, data visualization\, grant writing\, and web development. He also serves as an instructor of Environment and Sustainability at Ohio Wesleyan University. With an M.S. in Geography and Spatial Sciences from the University of Delaware\, Dustin brings a diverse background in science and technology\, communication\, and conservation.
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/rising-to-the-challenge-introducing-corfas-new-tool-to-help-friends-lead/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot-2025-03-05-114813.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250205T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Phoenix:20250205T190000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20250106T134447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T140819Z
UID:10000006-1738776600-1738782000@coalitionofrefugefriends.com
SUMMARY:Restoring New Mexico Ecosystems for bird\, insects\, & people
DESCRIPTION:Friends of Bosque del Apache NWR invite you to this webinar. \nRestoring ecosystems often requires control of invasive species and weeds to allow desired native plants to establish. Herbicide is an effective tool\, but can also cause unintended harm to ecosystems. Staff managing habitats like Bosque del Apache are now implementing pesticide-free techniques to control invasive weeds and preserve the health of soils\, native plants\, insects\, and birds. Join us as our panel\, featuring experts from American Bird Conservancy\, Xerces Society\, Institute for Applied Ecology and Friends of Bosque del Apache\, explores alternative ways of restoring habitats for the benefit of pollinators and birds\, and learn practical tips and solutions you can implement at home. \nQuarterly OASIS Zoom calls are now open to the public\, so please invite your friends and family to come learn about our beautiful Bosque del Apache NWR and theOASIS\, a sustaining community of hope! This is the perfect time to join as a monthly donor by giving a monthly gift in any amount that feels right for you – you’re in control of when to start\, stop and make changes to your level of monthly giving! \nRegister Now!
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/restoring-new-mexico-ecosystems-for-bird-insects-people/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-06-083118.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250108T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250108T150000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20250106T132855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T132855Z
UID:10000005-1736343000-1736348400@coalitionofrefugefriends.com
SUMMARY:Developing Relationships & Connecting Refuges & Friends with Native Nations
DESCRIPTION:Friends organizations and refuges are eager to build meaningful relationships with local Native Nations and other Indigenous groups. This webinar will offer practical guidance\, including key do’s and don’ts\, for fostering these connections. Our four panelists will share their experiences and insights on building relationships and creating connections between Refuges\, Friends organizations\, and Native Nations. Please join us and contribute to this conversation. \nPresenters \n\nAlan Kelley\, Board member of the Friends of Loess Bluffs NWR. Deputy Tribal Historic Preservation Officer\, Iowa Tribe of KS & NE\n Amy Lankford-Coffman National Tribal Co-Stewardship Coordinator\, National Wildlife Refuge System Headquarters U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service \n Annie Sorrell\, Park Ranger\, Visitor Services\, National Elk Refuge National Wildlife Refuge System U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service \n Taylor Lipscomb\, PhD National Hatchery Operations Coordinator National Tribal Co-Stewardship Liaison\, Headquarters FAC US Fish and Wildlife Service\n\nCo-Facilitators  \n\nNatalie Gardetto\, Connected Communities Coordinator\, National Wildlife Refuge System Midwest Region U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service\n Willem Stoeller\, Member of CORFA and the Friends of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge\n\nSign Up!
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/developing-relationships-connecting-refuges-friends-with-native-nations/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-06-081849.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241218T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241218T170000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20241205T134645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241205T134645Z
UID:10000004-1734530400-1734541200@coalitionofrefugefriends.com
SUMMARY:150 Years of Conservation: Highlights From USFWS Archives & DC Booth
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fascinating journey through 150 years of fish and wildlife conservation history\, as we explore rare artifacts and archival treasures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This special webinar features live presentations from two of USFWS’s premier historical collections: the DC Booth Historic Fish Hatchery and the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) archives. Discover the stories behind these artifacts and learn how they illustrate the evolution of conservation in America.\n\nPresenters\n\n\nMark Madison\, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Historian\n\n\nApril Gregory\, Curator\, DC Booth Historic Fish Hatchery\n\n\nSign Up!
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/150-years-of-conservation-highlights-from-usfws-archives-dc-booth/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-05-082229.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241118T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241118T150000
DTSTAMP:20260416T115241
CREATED:20241110T010609Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241110T111443Z
UID:10000002-1731938400-1731942000@coalitionofrefugefriends.com
SUMMARY:Capitol Conversations: Updates Budget Insights for the Refuge System
DESCRIPTION:Webinar: Monday\, November 18th\, 2 – 3 pm ET \nJoin us for an exclusive webinar featuring Desirée Sorenson-Groves\, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association\, as she provides an update on the latest legislative issues impacting the National Wildlife Refuge System. Desirée will cover critical topics\, including the fiscal year 2025 budget\, supplemental funding for natural disaster recovery\, and other legislative priorities that may influence the Refuge System. She will also share insights on potential changes under a new Administration and what they could mean for the future of our national wildlife refuges. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices in wildlife conservation policy and learn about the latest developments affecting national wildlife refuges. \nPresenter \n\nDesirée Sorenson-Groves re-joined the Refuge Association in October 2024 as the President and CEO. Her career has been focused on protecting and enhancing the National Wildlife Refuge System\, first as a grassroots organizer for the National Audubon Society\, then as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Refuge Association. After 14 years at NWRA\, Sorenson-Groves became the Director of the Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign where she managed an Indigenous-led\, multi prong effort to stop any development in the Arctic Refuge. She comes back to NWRA after leading Defenders of Wildlife’s public and private lands programs as their Vice President of Land & Habitat Conservation. She has a B.A. in Geography from George Washington University and resides in Fort Valley\, VA with her husband and two Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.\n\nSign Up! \n 
URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/capitol-conversations-updates-budget-insights-for-the-refuge-system/
CATEGORIES:Webinar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Screenshot-2024-11-09-195318.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
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