BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates - ECPv6.16.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Denver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20270314T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20271107T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260610T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260610T150000 DTSTAMP:20260605T213523Z CREATED:20260605T213523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T213523Z UID:10000069-1781100000-1781103600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Transportation & The Refuge System DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Refuge Friends webinar with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Transportation program staff on the importance of transportation infrastructure for national wildlife refuges. Transportation investments help keep refuges and hatcheries safe\, accessible\, and connected. From roads\, trails\, and bridges to wildlife crossings\, transportation planning plays an important role in visitor access\, habitat connectivity\, wildlife conservation\, and refuge operations. \nPresenters will provide an overview of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Transportation Program\, how it supports refuges\, and why these investments matter for wildlife\, visitors\, staff\, and surrounding communities. This webinar will be recorded.\nPresenters \n\nVince Ziols\, AICP serves as the Acting Federal Lands Planning Program Manager for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service\, where he oversees nationwide transportation planning and research programs\, and manages the USFWS’s Transportation Safety Management System. In this role\, he works to reduce safety ‘hot-spots’ at and near USFWS stations and lower wildlife-vehicle collisions by supporting the development of wildlife crossing infrastructure projects. Vince has a Master of Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is a Certified Planner with the American Planning Association. Vince specializes in advancing multimodal transportation networks\, enhancing interagency coordination\, improving wildlife connectivity and conservation\, and developing resources for public land management. He grew up in Chicago\, IL and now lives in Detroit\, MI\, and is an avid biker\, hiker\, gardener\, urbanist and environmentalist.\n Eric Bergey comes from the Infrastructure Management Division\, where he serves as the National Federal Lands Transportation Program (FLTP) and Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO) Program Manager\, overseeing transportation planning\, funding\, and disaster response efforts across the USFWS. He manages more than $55 million each year in transportation and emergency relief funding\, helping regions deliver projects\, respond quickly to natural disasters\, and keep refuges and hatcheries safe and accessible. Much of his work focuses on long-range planning\, solving budget and construction challenges\, and working closely with regional staff\, Federal Lands Highway\, and other partners to move projects forward. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a focus in geology and sociology\, as well as a graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems. Eric lives in Denver\, Colorado\, with his wife and two kids\, ages 7 and 11. Outside of work\, they enjoy camping in the mountains with their trailer\, fishing\, hiking\, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.\n\nSign Up! URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/transportation-the-refuge-system/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-05-173102.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260526T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260526T170000 DTSTAMP:20260520T221026Z CREATED:20260520T221026Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T221026Z UID:10000068-1779811200-1779814800@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Friends SHARE call on 5.26.26 DESCRIPTION:Get ready to SHARE!  CORFA is hosting the next Friends SHARE zoom call and this month we’ll be focusing on the role an Annual Appeal can fit into your overall fundraising strategies. \nPlease join us on Tuesday\, May 26th at 4:00 pm ET.  Please RSVP by May 25th and we will send you a zoom link for the call.  Registration is required in advance in order to receive the zoom link. \nWe will also have time at the end of the call to field any hot topics or urgent issues you may have.  If you have a burning question for the call\, that you’d like to discuss with other Friends\, or you’re looking for expertise on a specific subject\, please let us know and we’ll do our best to be prepared and find help!  The sooner you can let us know\, the better. \nOur presenters for the May call will be: \n\nSirena Lao\, Executive Director\, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society\nAlison Schaub\, Executive Director\, Friends of Minnesota Valley NWR\n\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. \nDate: Tuesday\, May 26\, 2026 \nTime: 4:00 PM ET\, 3:00 PM CT\, 2:00 PM MT\, 1:00 PM PT \nRSVP: To coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com by May 25th with Friends SHARE in the subject line. Register in advance to receive the zoom link. In the body of the email tell us the name of your Friends. \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\, Janelle Wicks \nP.S. We thank the National Wildlife Refuge Association for providing Zoom for the call. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/friends-share-call-on-5-26-26/ CATEGORIES:Friends SHARE ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-18-150733.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T150000 DTSTAMP:20260508T201120Z CREATED:20260508T201120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T201120Z UID:10000065-1779285600-1779289200@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Blue Goose Passport DESCRIPTION:Join us for a sneak peek at the new Blue Goose Passport prototype\, a refreshed experience designed to help visitors connect more deeply with national wildlife refuges and hatcheries.\nThe new Blue Goose Passport transforms refuge and hatchery visits from a simple checklist into a dynamic\, rewarding experience that turns exploration into a valued\, collectible achievement. This refresh is designed to motivate repeat visits and strengthen the personal connection visitors feel with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service public lands.\nThis webinar will be especially helpful for Refuge Friends groups interested in visitor engagement\, nature store opportunities\, and ways to encourage deeper connections to refuges and hatcheries.\nPresenter \n\nKristen Gilbert is the Branch Chief of Interpretation and Digital Services for the National Wildlife Refuge System.\n\nSign Up! \nWe look forward to seeing you then\,\nNational Wildlife Refuge Association & Coalition of Refuge Friends & Advocates URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/blue-goose-passport/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-08-160559.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260508 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260515 DTSTAMP:20260508T202639Z CREATED:20260508T202639Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T202639Z UID:10000066-1778198400-1778803199@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Take Action DESCRIPTION:Thank you! Because of your support\, 87 Friends groups and partner organizations signed on to the Refuge Association’s FY2027 House testimony calling for stronger funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System. \nTogether\, we urged Congress to provide $761 million for the Refuge System’s Operations and Maintenance account\, restoring funding to the FY2010 level adjusted for inflation. This funding is urgently needed to help refuges address severe staffing shortages\, care for wildlife and habitat\, maintain visitor services\, support public access\, and meet growing conservation needs. \nYou can read the submitted House testimony here >> \nWe are now preparing the Senate version of this testimony.\nIf your organization signed on to the House testimony\, you do not need to sign on again. We will automatically include your organization on the Senate version unless you ask us to remove it. \nPlease review the Senate version and signer list to confirm your organization is included and listed correctly >> \nSign-On to the Senate Testimony by Thursday\, May 14th at 5 pm ET \nPlease let us know by Thursday\, May 14th at 5 pm ET if your organization would prefer not to be included on the Senate version\, if your organization’s name or state needs to be updated\, or if your Friends group did not sign on to the House testimony but would like to be added. **This sign-on letter is for Friends groups and partner organizations\, not individuals\, please stay tuned next week for a advocacy alert for individual supporters.** \nIf your Friends group would also like to submit your own testimony\, you can find instructions from the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee here >> \nYour voice matters. When Refuge Friends speak together\, Congress hears directly from the local communities\, volunteers\, and partners who stand with national wildlife refuges every day. \nThank you for all you do for national wildlife refuges\, \nDesirée Sorenson-Groves\nPresident & CEO\nNational Wildlife Refuge Associatio URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/take-action-2/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-08-161851.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T150000 DTSTAMP:20260501T111245Z CREATED:20260501T111245Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T111245Z UID:10000062-1778076000-1778079600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:How You Can Advocate for the Refuge System This Spring DESCRIPTION:Join Desirée Sorenson-Groves\, President & CEO of the Refuge Association\, for a timely advocacy briefing on how supporters can help strengthen the National Wildlife Refuge System this spring. Coming off our Hill visits\, we’ll share key takeaways\, walk through the priorities we’re advancing\, and outline clear next steps you can take right away.\nWe’ll cover: \n\nFederal appropriations for the National Wildlife Refuge System (FY2027 Funding Fact Sheet: https://www.refugeassociation.org/s/FY2027-Funding-Fact-Sheet.pdf)\nThe Legacy Restoration Fund (Great American Outdoors Act) to support habitat restoration and conservation (GAOA Reauthorization Fact Sheet: https://www.refugeassociation.org/s/2026-GAOA-Reauthorization-Fact-Sheet-jgyl.pdf)\nTransportation reauthorization to improve wildlife crossings\, habitat connectivity\, wildlife corridors\, and visitor access (Transportation Bill Fact Sheet: https://www.refugeassociation.org/s/Transportation-Bill-Reauthorization-Fact-Sheet.pdf)\n\nWe’ll close with specific actions you can take to help move these priorities forward\, plus time for Q&A. \nPresenter \n\nDesirée Sorenson-Groves came back to 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.\n\nSign Up! URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/how-you-can-advocate-for-the-refuge-system-this-spring/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-01-070749.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260609 DTSTAMP:20260602T154405Z CREATED:20260501T114912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T154405Z UID:10000064-1777593600-1780963199@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:2026 National Wildlife Refuge Awards! DESCRIPTION:For more than 50 years\, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has worked to protect\, promote\, and enhance the National Wildlife Refuge System. We are continually inspired by the people whose dedication\, leadership\, and care make conservation possible every day. \nThat’s why we’re excited to open nominations for the\n2026 National Wildlife Refuge Awards! \nEach year\, these awards recognize outstanding individuals and groups who go above and beyond for national wildlife refuges\, whether as a dedicated refuge manager\, an exceptional employee\, a committed volunteer\, an inspiring Refuge Friends group\, or a steadfast advocate. \nNominate Someone Today \nNominations are now open\, and the deadline to submit your nominations has been extended to June 8\, 2026. Award recipients will be announced in August 2026 and celebrated at the 2026 National Wildlife Refuge Awards ceremony and celebration. \nPreviously submitted nominations may be updated and resubmitted. If you know someone who has been nominated before but not selected\, we encourage you to nominate them again. \nVisit our website to learn more about the award categories\, nomination criteria\, and inspiring stories of past winners >> \nAs we look forward to this year’s awards\, we invite you to help lift up the people and groups whose passion and care are protecting wild places\, nurturing wildlife\, and strengthening the communities that are deeply connected to our national wildlife refuges. Nominate someone deserving today! \nIf you have any questions not covered in our Nomination Guidelines\, please contact Debbie Harwood at dharwood@refugeassociation.org. \nThank you for all you do for national wildlife refuges\, \nThe National Wildlife Refuge Association URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/2026-national-wildlife-refuge-awards/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-01-073706.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260428T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260428T170000 DTSTAMP:20260416T140303Z CREATED:20260416T140303Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T140303Z UID:10000061-1777392000-1777395600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Friends SHARE Call DESCRIPTION:Get ready to SHARE! The next Friends SHARE Zoom call is on Tuesday\, April 28th at 4pm Eastern and we’ll be focusing on nature stores. \nOur speakers will be: \n\nJoan Van Gorp\, long-time member\, and past president of Friends of Neal Smith NWR and active participant in CORFA programs. Joan is heading up an effort to build a “nature store resource group”– we’ll let her explain it!\nSally Dery is the Merchandising Team Leader for Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands NWRs. They have a physical store (on an island!) and an online store.\nJanelle Wicks\, ED\, or Jill Bachman\, Nature Store Manager\, representing the Friends of Malheur NWR\, will describe their physical nature store and online shop. Janelle is also on our SHARE call planning team.\nMaria Montag\, President of Friends of California Condors Wild and Free\, will share their experience\, and hardships\, of experimenting with an online store. Maria is also on our SHARE call planning team.\n\nWe will also have time at the end of the call to reconvene and field any hot topics or urgent issues you may have. If you have a critical issue for the call\, that you’d like to discuss with other Friends\, or you’re looking for expertise on a specific subject\, please let us know when you RSVP and we’ll do our best to be prepared and find help! The sooner you can let us know\, the better. \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. \nDate: Tuesday\, April 28\, 2026 \nTime: 4:00 PM ET\, 3:00 PM CT\, 2:00 PM MT\, 1:00 PM PT \nRSVP: To coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com by April 26th with Friends SHARE in the subject line. Register in advance to receive the zoom link. In the body of the email tell us the name of your Friends. \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\, Janelle Wicks \nP.S. We thank the National Wildlife Refuge Association for providing Zoom for the call. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/friends-share-call/ CATEGORIES:Friends SHARE ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-18-150733.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260426T170000 DTSTAMP:20260412T115358Z CREATED:20260412T115358Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260412T115358Z UID:10000059-1777222800-1777222800@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Drones Over Kuaihelani DESCRIPTION:Join Friends of Midway Atoll for their upcoming live webinar\, Drones Over Kuaihelani\, featuring guest speaker\, biologist & drone operator Anna Vallery! She will take you behind the scenes of how cutting-edge drone technology is transforming seabird monitoring on Midway Atoll. The presentation will include a slideshow and a live Q&A session at the end! \nSave the Date – Sunday\, April 26\, 2026 \n\n11:00am Hawai’i Time\n2:00 PM Pacific Time\n5:00 PM Eastern Time\n\nDuring this webinar\, Anna will discuss: \n\nThe challenges and opportunities of working with seabirds in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands\nHow drones are being used to support monitoring efforts\nHow imagery from drones can be analyzed to count birds\, distinguish between breeding and non-breeding albatross\n\n…and more!  \nSpots are limited—reserve yours now:\nhttps://friendsofmidway.org/register-for-our-live-webinar-drones-over-kuaihelani/ \nThis is your chance to experience Midway in a whole new way—and connect more deeply with the impact you can make as a valued part of our FOMA community. \nMahalo for being part of this journey\, URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/drones-over-kuaihelani/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-12-075232.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T150000 DTSTAMP:20260406T191908Z CREATED:20260406T191908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T191908Z UID:10000056-1776261600-1776265200@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Endowment for our Refuge's Future DESCRIPTION:Join us for a quick start to thinking about an Endowment to help secure the future of your Refuge.  There are many details involved\, but on this webinar\, we’ll give you an outline of how to start\, and what challenges to expect. Such as: \n\nDeciding what the purpose of your Endowment would be. This will vary a lot from refuge to refuge but deserves a lot of thought.\nFinding a Foundation or other organization to maintain and invest your Endowment\nCreating a starting mailing list\, or group of founding donors\nForm a committee to deal exclusively with the Endowment and fundraising\nMaintaining records and documenting progress\nReaching goal and deciding on disbursements\n\nOur presenters were instrumental in starting the endowment at Hakalau Forest NWR HI in 2015. It is now just short of $3M and they plan to reach $3.5M by the end of this calendar year. \nPresenters \n\nSharon Scott\, Board member of Friends of Hakalau Forest NWR\, and Chair of the Endowment Committee.  Co-Founder of Hakalau Endowment\nMike Scott\, Former Board member of Friends of Hakalau Forest\, and co-founder of Hakalau Endowment.  Mike was also a USFWS endangered species biologist in Hawaii from 1974-84\, and conducted a 5-year survey of all native forests on the main islands of Hawaii\, which contributed to identifying Hakalau Forest as a native bird “hot spot”\, and helped get the Refuge established.\n\nSharon and Mike have been involved with Hakalau for over 40 years\, and still work toward protecting its species and habitats. \nSign Up!\nWe look forward to seeing you then\, \nNational Wildlife Refuge Association &\nCoalition of Refuge Friends & Advocates URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/endowment-for-our-refuges-future/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-06-151240.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260413 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260425 DTSTAMP:20260413T141934Z CREATED:20260413T141934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T141934Z UID:10000060-1776038400-1777075199@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Written Testimony for House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior\, Environment\, and Related Agencies DESCRIPTION:As in past years\, interested parties can submit written testimony to be included in the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior\, Environment\, and Related Agencies. \nAn electronic copy of your testimony must be recieved no later than 5pm eastern on Friday\, April 24\, 2026. \nThe National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) will be sending to Friends organizations suggested talking points. NWRA will request $761 million in the FY 27 budget for the National Wildlife Refuge System. \nClick for complete instructions. \nExample of testimony submitted in 2024 URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/written-testimony-for-house-committee-on-appropriations-subcommittee-on-interior-environment-and-related-agencies/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-06-152037.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260408T190000 DTSTAMP:20260406T192421Z CREATED:20260406T192421Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T192421Z UID:10000057-1775671200-1775674800@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:State of the System Report: President's Budget\, Refuge Funding\, & What Comes Next DESCRIPTION:Join Desirée Sorenson-Groves\, President & CEO of the Refuge Association\, for a timely State of the System briefing focused on the FY2027 President’s Budget\, what it signals for National Wildlife Refuge System funding\, and what to watch as Congress shapes budget decisions. We’ll also share ways supporters can help strengthen refuges in the months ahead. \nPresenter \n\nDesirée Sorenson-Groves came back to 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.\n\nSign Up! URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/state-of-the-system-report-presidents-budget-refuge-funding-what-comes-next/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-06-152037.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260530T170000 DTSTAMP:20260407T130908Z CREATED:20260407T113224Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T130908Z UID:10000058-1775548800-1780160400@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:The O'Brien Prize for Refuge Friends DESCRIPTION:An Opportunity For Your Refuge Friends Group\nEach year the National Wildlife Refuge Association awards the O’Brien Prize to very deserving Refuge Friends organizations. The prize is named after Donal O’Brien III\, a past Board Chair and longtime enthusiast of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Don was a generous supporter of the great work we do for national wildlife refuges and was always very impressed by the dedication and effectiveness of Refuge Friends groups. \n2026 RFP is Available!\nThe National Wildlife Refuge Association is pleased to announce our seventh O’Brien Prize. This prize is a grant that will be awarded to one or more Refuge Friends groups whose project(s) will help build their connection with their community. This application will be used to determine which Friends group(s) will receive the grant(s). Please submit a request for any amount up to $7\,500. \nProjects must: (1) heighten the public awareness of the Friends Group\, (2) bring an enduring value to the Friends Group and bring benefit to the refuge\, and (3) the prize money must cover the full or nearly full cost of the project. \nProposals are due Friday\, May 30th\, 2026. Please submit your applications and direct any questions to Courtney Phelan at cphelan@refugeassociation.org or 202-577-3200. \nClick here to download the application! URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/the-obrien-prize-for-refuge-friends/ CATEGORIES:Grant ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Winter-2023-P7-Patuxent-PBahizi.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260324T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260324T190000 DTSTAMP:20260223T131815Z CREATED:20260223T131652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T131815Z UID:10000052-1774378800-1774378800@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:2025 National Wildlife Refuge Awards DESCRIPTION:The Refuge Association is hosting the 2025 National Wildlife Refuge Awards — A Virtual National Celebration of the Refuge System — on Tuesday\, March 24\, 2026\, at 7:00 pm ET (6:00 pm CT / 5:00 pm MT / 4:00 pm PT). \nRSVP link to share: https://refugeassociation.org/livestream\n(When people RSVP\, they receive the Zoom link and event reminders by email. They can opt in to stay on our email list\, but otherwise won’t get ongoing messages from us.) \nFriends groups and volunteers help make refuges welcoming\, resilient\, and loved. This livestream is a chance to show up for one another — to celebrate the Friends groups\, volunteers\, and refuge staff who keep refuges thriving. We are one Refuge System\, and our movement is more powerful when we show up together. \nIf you’re able\, would you share the RSVP link once this week\, and then again as we get closer to March 24th? \nTo help lighten the lift\, we created a short Friends Share Toolkit  with ready-to-use social captions and a newsletter blurb you can drop into your next update. \nThank you so much for helping spread the word. \nTogether we are Refuge Strong\, \nDesirée Sorenson-Groves\nPresident & CEO\nNational Wildlife Refuge Association URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/2025-national-wildlife-refuge-awards/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-23-080919.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260324T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Denver:20260324T190000 DTSTAMP:20260304T144507Z CREATED:20260304T144507Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T144507Z UID:10000054-1774375200-1774378800@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Build Your Own Backyard Refuge DESCRIPTION:As the seasons change\, so do the needs and behaviors of our feathered friends. Let Laurel share her tips for staying in tune with nature this nesting season and learn how to turn your yard into a backyard refuge! \nThe New Mexico Backyard Refuge Program is an initiative to expand wildlife habitat in the Albuquerque area by encouraging residents to share space with wildlife by adding native plants and caring for their yards with wildlife-friendly practices. We share our backyards with hundreds\, even thousands of different plants and animals\, but as cities grow\, places for wildlife become fewer and farther between. All species are in constant need of suitable habitat in which to dwell and give the next generation a chance to thrive. With wildlife gardening\, we can enhance our own outdoor spaces while providing resources for our wild neighbors to make their homes. Even in urban areas\, we can make changes that allow other species to flourish with us. Wildlife gardening provides a means of cooperating with our wild neighbors by being aware of their needs and deliberately creating spaces that we can share with our wild neighbors. \nFrom a large\, one acre lot that can host numerous different trees\, shrubs and flowers\, to a deck or balcony large enough for just a small container garden\, everyone can contribute by making an effort to garden for wildlife and landscape for conservation. \nRegister Now URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/build-your-own-backyard-refuge/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-04-094429.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260324T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260324T170000 DTSTAMP:20260318T190818Z CREATED:20260318T190818Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T190818Z UID:10000055-1774368000-1774371600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Friends SHARE Zoom Call DESCRIPTION:Get ready to SHARE! CORFA is hosting the next Friends SHARE zoom call and this month we’ll be focusing on the America 250/Freedom 250 initiatives planned for this year\, the difference between the two\, what the Department of Interior is doing and finding out what different Friends Groups are doing or planning to do. \nWe will also have open discussion rooms for small groups on topics of your choosing. \nPlease join us on Tuesday\, March 24th at 4:00 pm ET. Please RSVP by March 22nd and we will send you a zoom link for the call. Registration in advance to receive the zoom link. \nWe will also have time at the end of the call to reconvene and field any hot topics or urgent issues you may have. If you have a critical issue for the call\, that you’d like to discuss with other Friends\, or you’re looking for expertise on a specific subject\, please let us know and we’ll do our best to be prepared and find help! The sooner you can let us know\, the better. \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. \nDate: Tuesday\, March 24\, 2026 \nTime: 4:00 PM ET\, 3:00 PM CT\, 2:00 PM MT\, 1:00 PM PT \nRSVP: To coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com by March 22nd  with Friends SHARE in the subject line. In the body of the email tell us the name of your Friends group. \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\, Janelle Wicks \nP.S. We thank the National Wildlife Refuge Association for providing Zoom for the call URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/friends-share-zoom-call-2/ CATEGORIES:Friends SHARE ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Screenshot-2026-03-18-150733.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T150000 DTSTAMP:20260305T121241Z CREATED:20260304T144551Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T121241Z UID:10000053-1773842400-1773846000@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Dark Skies and Wildlife DESCRIPTION:🌝 Just in time for International Dark Sky Week (April 13–20\, 2026)\, join us for a conversation about how nighttime light affects wildlife\, habitat\, and human health. 🌌 \nWhether urban\, rural\, or somewhere in between\, every national wildlife refuge has a nighttime light footprint. Bill Kowalik\, PhD\, Board Chair of DarkSky Oregon\, will share what light pollution means for wildlife and people\, plus practical steps we can take on refuges and in our communities to reduce our light footprint. \nJanelle Wicks\, Executive Director of Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge\, will highlight their annual Malheur After Dark event and share ideas for celebrating the night sky as a natural resource at your refuge. \nO’Brien Prize spotlight: During the webinar\, we will highlight Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge’s Malheur After Dark event\, a project supported in part by the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends. We will also share a brief update on the O’Brien Prize and ways Friends groups can start thinking about project ideas for this year’s opportunity\, request for proposals releasing soon! \nPresenters\nBill Kowalik\, PhD is the Board Chair and a founding board member of DarkSky Oregon. He has three degrees in the earth sciences and decades of experience in remote sensing and technology development. \nJanelle Wicks is the Executive Director of Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and helps lead community-based programs like Malheur After Dark that connect people to refuges through the night sky \nSign Up! URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/dark-skies-and-wildlife-2/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PAHR_NightSky_2022-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260224T170000 DTSTAMP:20260219T132226Z CREATED:20260219T132226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T132226Z UID:10000051-1771948800-1771952400@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Friends SHARE Zoom call DESCRIPTION:It’s time to SHARE! This month our opening topic will focus on gift and donor management systems used by Friends’ groups around the country. We will also have open discussion rooms for small groups on topics of your choosing. \nThere will be time at the end of the call to reconvene and field any hot topics or urgent issues you may have. If you have a critical issue for the call\, that you’d like to discuss with other Friends\, or you’re looking for expertise on a specific subject\, please let us know when you register and we’ll do our best to be prepared and find help! \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.  \nDate: Tuesday\, February 24\, 2026 \nTime: 4:00 PM ET\, 3:00 PM CT\, 2:00 PM MT\, 1:00 PM PT \n  \nYou need to register for this SHARE session. To register send an email to coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com by February 23rd with Friends SHARE in the subject line and the name of your Friends group in the body of the email. \nWe are looking forward to getting together. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/friends-share-zoom-call/ CATEGORIES:Friends SHARE ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-12-105341-e1771507449604.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260220 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260221 DTSTAMP:20260202T141439Z CREATED:20260113T133941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T141439Z UID:10000048-1771545600-1771631999@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:USFWS Accepting Application for Friends Academy DESCRIPTION:FWS is now accepting applications for Friends Academy. The academy will take place at National Conservation Training Center from July 20- 24\, 2026. Applications are due February 20\, and applicants will be notified by March 20 of their status. Lodging and meals will be provided and participants will be reimbursed for their travel expenses (so all expenses are covered).\n\nApplicants can self nominate or be nominated by an FWS staff person or another Friends group member. Regardless of how the applicant is nominated\,the  FWS partner must provide their input on the application. The type of nomination (self vs. someone else nominating the applicant) does not affect the review process.\n\nAttached is the application but it can also be found on FWS’ website. Note this form was updated 1.30.26 to make it easier to fill.\nhttps://www.fws.gov/media/friends-academy-application\n\nIt  is also accessible from the landing page of the SharePoint site for FWS folks-\nhttps://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/fws-FF09R00000/SitePages/Friends-Landing.aspx\n\n\nIf there are any questions please contact Linda Schnee. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/usfws-accepting-application-for-friends-academy/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/usfws-friends-refuge-headwaters-upper-miss-nfwr-winona-districtjpg-scaled-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T150000 DTSTAMP:20260203T181928Z CREATED:20260203T181928Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T181928Z UID:10000050-1771423200-1771426800@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Marine National Monuments & Their Role in the National Wildlife Refuge System DESCRIPTION:Take a break from winter’s cold; come explore the warm\, colorful and vast Marine National Monuments of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Susan White will lead this webinar; guiding us through the Pacific Marine National Monuments and explaining how they are managed as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. \n😎 Put on your sunglasses\, forget about the snow and ice\, and learn about these special watery places. 🌊 \nPresenters\n \n\nSusan White retired from the USFWS after 28 years and has spent about 36 years in conservation overall. Her career took her from Florida’s Keys to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge\, and to Hawai’i\, with stops in Washington\, DC\, and Detroit River International Refuge. Susan retired as Deputy Area Supervisor of the vast Pacific Islands refuges and Marine National Monuments.\nBarry Christensen retired from USFWS in 2011 after a 31-year career managing national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts throughout the U.S.\, including a 3.5-year term as Refuge Manager of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.\n\nSign Up!\n  \n  URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/marine-national-monuments-their-role-in-the-national-wildlife-refuge-system/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-03-131410.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260127T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260127T170000 DTSTAMP:20260116T142249Z CREATED:20260116T141848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T142249Z UID:10000049-1769529600-1769533200@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Friends Get Together 1.27.26 DESCRIPTION:The first Friends SHARE call of 2026 is on January 27th at 4:00pm ET! SHARE calls aim to connect Friends groups and foster relationships within the broader Friends community. Our goal is to get to know and learn from each other through sharing stories\, information\, resources\, expertise and by asking questions. \nPlease join us on January 27th at 4:00 pm ET for the next SHARE call. Our call will include an opportunity to talk more about the Director Order 230 and the call with Joshua Coursey\, Senior Advisor to the Director of the USFWS\, on Thursday\, January 15th. Hopefully\, you were able to attend the Zoom call but if not\, you are still invited to attend the SHARE call and learn about what was presented. A recording of the call will be posted on the CORFA website when it is available. \nFor the SHARE call\, we plan to spend about 20 minutes discussing the Zoom call and its implications. Following that conversation\, we will break into small groups and have open discussion for another 20 minutes\, with each small group discussing the topics of interest to their participants. If you have a burning issue you’d like to discuss\, please let us know at the beginning of the call and we can set up a small group just for that topic. \nThe whole call should not last more than one hour. We will leave time at the end for announcements or other news. \nPlease RSVP by January 25th RSVP to coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com with Friends SHARE in the subject line. In the body of the email tell us the name of your Friends group and we will send you a Zoom link to the call. \nThe SHARE calls are only for members of Friends groups or staff of Friends groups. Feel free to share this invitation 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. \nWe look forward to seeing you on January 27th at 4:00 pm ET. \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\, Janelle Wicks \nP.S. We thank the National Wildlife Refuge Association for providing Zoom for the call. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/friends-get-togther-1-27-26/ CATEGORIES:Friends SHARE ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Primary-Logo.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260115T160000 DTSTAMP:20260110T125431Z CREATED:20260108T235238Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260110T125431Z UID:10000047-1768489200-1768492800@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY: Director's Order:  Review of the National Wildlife Refuge System DESCRIPTION:Joshua W.D. Coursey joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service following 13 years as Founder and President/CEO of the Muley Fanatic Foundation (MFF)\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of mule deer and their habitat. Under his leadership\, MFF evolved from a grassroots initiative into a nationally recognized conservation force\, with active chapters in seven states\, members in all 50 states\, and more than 700 Life Members.\n\n\nCoursey’s leadership earned him a respected voice in broader wildlife and hunting policy efforts. He co-chaired the state’s Chronic Wasting Disease Working Group in 2020\, has served on the Wyoming Governor’s Big Game License Coalition since 2017\, and was a member of Governor Gordon’s Wyoming Wildlife Taskforce.\n\nJoshua is a native of Wyoming\, and serves as Senior Advisor to FWS Director Brian Nesvik.  He was recently tasked by Director Nesvik to lead a comprehensive review of the National Wildlife Refuge System\, its organization\, its workforce\, facilities and management structure.\n\nAs part of this review\, he is seeking feedback and ideas from State Agencies and Partner organizations\, including Refuge Friends Groups.   This Webinar is an opportunity for the Refuge Friends Community to learn about this review and to understand how best to provide him with meaningful feedback.\n\n\nSign Up! URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/directors-order-review-of-the-national-wildlife-refuge-system/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screenshot-2025-05-29-111250.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T200000 DTSTAMP:20251207T044559Z CREATED:20251207T043256Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251207T044559Z UID:10000046-1766041200-1766088000@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:State of the System Report: Gratitude\, Grit & the Road Ahead DESCRIPTION:As we approach the longest night of the year\, we pause to reflect—with gratitude for the wild places that ground us and resolve to protect them through whatever comes next. \nJoin Desirée Sorenson-Groves\, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association\, for a timely briefing on the state of the National Wildlife Refuge System. With the fallout from the recent government shutdown still unfolding—and the threat of another on the horizon—America’s wildlife refuges are facing some of their toughest challenges yet. \nFrom deepening staff shortages to chronic underfunding and shifting policy winds\, the path forward is not without obstacles. But in these darker times\, new light begins to shine: innovative partnerships\, community-led conservation\, and a growing movement of people ready to defend our nation’s wild heritage. This webinar offers a chance to take stock\, find hope\, and recommit to protecting the lands and wildlife that sustain us all. \nPresenter \n\nDesirée Sorenson-Groves came back to 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.\n\nSign Up! \n  URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/state-of-the-system-report-gratitude-grit-the-road-ahead/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-06-234513.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T150000 DTSTAMP:20251203T165328Z CREATED:20251203T162531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T165328Z UID:10000045-1765980000-1765983600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Let's Celebrate! DESCRIPTION:NWRA has declared December 17\, 2025\, Refuge Staff Appreciation Day. In recognition of this day\, let’s celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge and Hatcheries systems\, their dedicated staff and loyal Friends groups with Jim Kurth\, Retired Deputy Director of the USFWS as he reminds us all why we do what we do. \nJim will reminisce a little about his time with the Service and why we can be so proud of the work we help to support.  Then\, he has agreed to field your questions about the Service. If you have a question for Jim\, please send it to coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com  There should also be time for “live” questions during the webinar. \nJim Kurth began his career as a biological technician with the U.S Forest Service on the Wayne National Forest in Ohio. He transferred to the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service in 1979 as assistant refuge manager at Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. He served as an assistant refuge manager at Loxahatchee NWR in Florida\, Bogue Chitto NWR in Louisiana\, and Seney NWR in Michigan. He then served as refuge manager of the seven refuges in Rhode Island and Connecticut. After a tour in the Alaska Regional Office in Anchorage\, he served as the manager of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from 1994 to 1999. \nJim then moved to the Washington Office and served as Deputy Chief (1999-2011) and Chief (2011-2015) of the National Wildlife Refuge System\, then Deputy Director of the Service from 2015 until his retirement in June 2019. \nSign Up! \n  URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/lets-celebrate/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-03-112006.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251215 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251216 DTSTAMP:20251120T080041Z CREATED:20251120T070036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T080041Z UID:10000042-1765756800-1765843199@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:USFWS Partnership Mentoring Program DESCRIPTION:Deadline for Accepting Applications Extended Until 12/15/25\nFriends groups along with their FWS Partners have an opportunity to apply for the FWS Friends Mentor Program. The Fall Application is now available. Applications will be accepted until December 15\, 2025. \nWhat is the Mentor Program? In many ways\, it is just what you want/need it to be. Each mentoring relationship is different but\, in a nutshell\, Friends and their Refuge Management decide on the topics they would like to learn more about or have help with. That is part of the application. It could be training the board\, planning a joint project\, or\, after this long Covid winter\, a reboot to get your board and FWS staff excited about working together again\, for example. \nOnce you have submitted the completed application it will be reviewed by the FWS Friends Coordinator\, Linda Schnee\, and the Regional Friends Coordinators. If your application is selected\, you will be assigned a team of experienced and trained mentors\, usually one FWS staff and one Friends Board/Staff person who will work with you on fleshing out an agenda\, and then will come to your refuge to conduct a 2-day training. \nAt the end of that training\, your group will identify a set of 3 or 4 objectives that you want to accomplish in the next year. Mentors then check in with you on a regular schedule to offer help\, guidance\, encouragement\, and lots of cheers for the good work you are doing. \nSound like something that your group would benefit from? I’ve been on both sides of mentoring\, as a Friends mentor and as a board member of a group being mentored and I can tell you from personal experience that this program provides a couple of skilled “consultants\,” for a year\, free-of-charge to your Friends group and your Refuge. So\, what are you waiting for? Get that application going! \nShould you want to find out more about the benefits of this program check out the 2023 recording about the USFWS Mentoring Program. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/usfws-partnership-mentoring-program/ CATEGORIES:Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pexels-photo-357159.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T151500 DTSTAMP:20251114T112803Z CREATED:20250729T133228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251114T112803Z UID:10000034-1763560800-1763565300@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Leading with Purpose – Building Stronger\, More Connected Wildlife Friends Groups DESCRIPTION:This three-part webinar series is designed to equip leaders and members of Wildlife Friends Groups with the insight and tools to strengthen their communities\, deepen collaboration\, and lead with clarity in complex times. Together\, we’ll explore how to create cultures of belonging without weaponizing identity\, ensuring that all feel seen and valued without reinforcing division. We’ll examine strategies for navigating change with integrity\, so your group can remain mission-focused while adapting to evolving challenges. Finally\, we’ll dive into the principles of transformational leadership\, helping you inspire action\, cultivate trust\, and guide your group toward lasting impact. This series offers practical frameworks\, space for reflection\, and a chance to align around shared values while honoring difference. \nJoin Zoom Meeting \nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/84310909165?pwd=tTeEFiL92WRPxgIrENS6DIed1H4zWZ.1\nMeeting ID: 843 1090 9165\nPasscode: 647750 Join instructions\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/84310909165/invitations?signature=w4WBMtkScuebAx4n7djpjm9CAlZbSxdJi6G3xWRujWQ URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/leading-with-purpose-building-stronger-more-connected-wildlife-friends-groups-3/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-25-131240.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251106T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251106T203000 DTSTAMP:20251013T154111Z CREATED:20251013T154111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251013T154111Z UID:10000044-1762457400-1762461000@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:A History of the American Conservation Movement and the Refuge System DESCRIPTION:Join Alex Harper for a captivating journey through the history of conservation in the United States—from the 1800s to today. This presentation traces the key moments that shaped the formation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System\, culminating in the establishment of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. \nAttendees will gain a deeper understanding of how conservation policies evolved\, how decisions are made to preserve the ecological integrity of refuges\, and why these places matter now more than ever. \nWe all love Bosque del Apache\, but it can sometimes be difficult to know how to make a difference. Through a mix of historical context and stunning wildlife photography taken at the refuge by Alex throughout the years\, this talk will connect past and present conservation efforts. \nAlex will also discuss the risks posed by potential rollbacks of environmental protections—including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act—and what such changes could mean for the refuge’s future. \nThe presentation will conclude with Friends Board President Jonathan Manley highlighting what’s happening on the ground at Bosque del Apache and how Friends is continuing to protect the refuge’s diverse flora and fauna. \nQuarterly OASIS Zoom calls are now open to the public\, so please invite your friends and family to come learn about our beautiful refuge 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/a-history-of-the-american-conservation-movement-and-the-refuge-system/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-13-114007.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251104T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T180000 DTSTAMP:20251101T014912Z CREATED:20251001T161440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251101T014912Z UID:10000041-1762264800-1762365600@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:The 2025 Virtual Friends Conference DESCRIPTION:Level up your skills and network with refuge and hatchery Friends from across the country. \nFriends Groups fortify our National Wildlife Refuge and Hatchery Systems. Together\, we amplify impact\, generate support\, and build stronger and healthier communities. This two-day virtual conference is designed for Friends leaders\, board members\, staff\, and volunteers who want to build capacity\, share best practices\, and connect with peers from across the country. \nLearn more here. \nTime Track 1 Track 2 2:00 pmOpening Session \n\n \n Joan Patterson \n \n \n Director at Large\, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates \n \n \n \n\n \n Mark Musaus \n \n \n Vice President\, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates \n \n \n 2:10 pmKickoff Keynote \n\n \n Desirée Sorenson-Groves \n \n \n President & CEO\, National Wildlife Refuge Association \n \n \n 2:30 pmSessions 1\, 2\, 3 & 4 Overview \n\n \n Joan Patterson \n \n \n Director at Large\, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates \n \n \n 2:45 pmSession 1: Fundraising\, Membership and Donor Engagement \n\n \n Janelle Wicks \n \n \n Executive Director\, Friends of Malheur NWR \n \n \n \n\n \n Mary Beth Volmer \n \n \n President\, Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands \n \n \n \n\n \n Thomas Daubert \n \n \n Executive Director\, Friends of Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex \n \n \n Session 2: Nature Stores \n\n \n Tom Worthington \n \n \n Director at Large\, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates \n \n \n \n\n \n Jill Bachman \n \n \n Nature Store\, Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge \n \n \n \n\n \n Carolyn Ferrell \n \n \n Executive Director\, Booth Society\, Inc. \n \n \n \n\n \n Melissa Worthington \n \n \n Volunteer Manager\, Minnesota Valley Refuge Friends \n \n \n 4:00 pmSession 3: Community Involvement \n\n \n Angie Horn \n \n \n Urban Wildlife Program Director\, National Wildlife Refuge Association \n \n \n \n\n \n Ken Kupchak \n \n \n President\, Friends of Oahu NWRs & CORFA Board \n \n \n \n\n \n Suzanne Trapp \n \n \n Community Outreach Manager at Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge - Retired \n \n \n Session 4: Volunteers: The Critical Role of both Friends Volunteers and FWS Volunteers \n\n \n Sue Hix \n \n \n Board Member\, Friends of Sherburne NWR \n \n \n \n\n \n Robin Will \n \n \n Board member\, Friends of St. Marks NWR \n \n \n 5:10 pmBreakout Rooms and Free Discussion5:55 pmClose Out: Recap of Day 1 \n\n \n Ken Kupchak \n \n \n President\, Friends of Oahu NWRs & CORFA Board \n \n \n 2:00 pmWelcome and Orientation to Day 2 \n\n \n Janelle Wicks \n \n \n Executive Director\, Friends of Malheur NWR \n \n \n \n\n \n Tom Worthington \n \n \n Director at Large\, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates \n \n \n 2:10 pmSpark Talk \n\n \n Wendi Weber \n \n \n Regional Director of the Northeast Region - Retired \n \n \n 2:30 pmSessions 5\,6\,7 & 8 Overview \n\n \n Janelle Wicks \n \n \n Executive Director\, Friends of Malheur NWR \n \n \n 2:45 pmSessions 5\, 6\, and 7 \n\n \n Cathy Allen \n \n \n Nonprofit Governance Consultant\, Board Doctor \n \n \n \n\n \n Carol Mertesdorf \n \n \n President\, Friends of Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge \n \n \n \n\n \n Janelle Wicks \n \n \n Executive Director\, Friends of Malheur NWR \n \n \n \n\n \n Willem Stoeller \n \n \n Director at Large\, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates \n \n \n \n\n \n Samantha Zeiner \n \n \n Director of Operations\, Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge \n \n \n \n\n \n Richard Dolesh \n \n \n Board Member\, Friends of Patuxent \n \n \n \n\n \n Greg Knadle \n \n \n former VP of Government Affairs NFWF \n \n \n 4:00 pmSession 8: Current Issues and Topics affecting Refuges and Hatcheries \n\n \n Tony Wasley \n \n \n President of WMI \n \n \n \n\n \n Scott Kahan \n \n \n Retired as Regional Chief in the Northeast Region \n \n \n \n\n \n Paul Johansen \n \n \n Chief of the Wildlife Resources\, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources \n \n \n \n\n \n Dale Hall \n \n \n Former DEO of Ducks Unlimited\, Inc. \n \n \n 5:15 pmKeynote Address \n\n \n Desirée Sorenson-Groves \n \n \n President & CEO\, National Wildlife Refuge Association \n \n \n 5:45 pmClose Out: Recap of Day 2 \n\n \n Cheryl Hart \n \n \n President\, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates \n \n \n \n  \nUse the box below to purchase your tickets. After your purchase\, you will receive more information about how to join the event. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/the-2025-virtual-friends-conference/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/birders-scaled-1.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com LOCATION:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87273129766 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251029T151500 DTSTAMP:20250922T120121Z CREATED:20250729T133206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T120121Z UID:10000033-1761746400-1761750900@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Leading with Purpose – Building Stronger\, More Connected Wildlife Friends Groups DESCRIPTION:This three-part webinar series is designed to equip leaders and members of Wildlife Friends Groups with the insight and tools to strengthen their communities\, deepen collaboration\, and lead with clarity in complex times. Together\, we’ll explore how to create cultures of belonging without weaponizing identity\, ensuring that all feel seen and valued without reinforcing division. We’ll examine strategies for navigating change with integrity\, so your group can remain mission-focused while adapting to evolving challenges. Finally\, we’ll dive into the principles of transformational leadership\, helping you inspire action\, cultivate trust\, and guide your group toward lasting impact. This series offers practical frameworks\, space for reflection\, and a chance to align around shared values while honoring difference. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/leading-with-purpose-building-stronger-more-connected-wildlife-friends-groups-2/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-25-131240.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250924T151500 DTSTAMP:20250922T120317Z CREATED:20250729T133126Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T120317Z UID:10000030-1758722400-1758726900@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Leading with Purpose – Building Stronger\, More Connected Wildlife Friends Groups DESCRIPTION:This three-part webinar series is designed to equip leaders and members of Wildlife Friends Groups with the insight and tools to strengthen their communities\, deepen collaboration\, and lead with clarity in complex times. Together\, we’ll explore how to create cultures of belonging without weaponizing identity\, ensuring that all feel seen and valued without reinforcing division. We’ll examine strategies for navigating change with integrity\, so your group can remain mission-focused while adapting to evolving challenges. Finally\, we’ll dive into the principles of transformational leadership\, helping you inspire action\, cultivate trust\, and guide your group toward lasting impact. This series offers practical frameworks\, space for reflection\, and a chance to align around shared values while honoring difference. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/leading-with-purpose-building-stronger-more-connected-wildlife-friends-groups/ CATEGORIES:Webinar ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-25-131240.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250923T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250923T170000 DTSTAMP:20250912T145819Z CREATED:20250912T145713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250912T145819Z UID:10000040-1758643200-1758646800@coalitionofrefugefriends.com SUMMARY:Friends SHARE Book Recommendations & More DESCRIPTION:CORFA started a list of both fiction and non-fiction books that include our National Wildlife Refuges\, or other public lands\, in their plots and narratives. \nDo you have a favorite that is not on the list? \nWe’d love for you to share titles and we’re also looking for folks to do a short 3-minute book review at our next meet-up on any of the books in the attached list or on your favorite book that we’ve missed. \nFollowing our book discussions\, we’ll have time for a quick roundtable of any other. announcements or questions. \nThe Zoom SHARE calls are 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. \nDate: Tuesday\, September 23\, 2025 \nTime: 4:00 PM ET\, 3:00 PM CT\, 2:00 PM MT\, 1:00 PM PT \nRSVP: To coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com by September 19th with Friends SHARE in the subject line. In the body of the email tell us the name of your Friends group. \nWe are looking forward to getting together. URL:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/event/friends-share-book-recommendations-more/ CATEGORIES:Friends SHARE ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://coalitionofrefugefriends.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-12-105341-e1771507449604.png ORGANIZER;CN="Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)":MAILTO:coalitionrefugefriends@gmail.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR