U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The friends of Loxahatchee Gift Shop

The friends of Loxahatchee provides quality educational products and services to Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. The board members and the staff are dedicated to the preservation and use of the Refuges for the benefit of visitors from all nations and future generations. They see their mission as a double opportunity to offer quality educational materials and services to Refuge visitors at fair prices, and to aid the Refuge with the income derived from these activities. The proceeds from their activities are donated to Loxahatchee to further support these programs. During the last year, the friends of Loxahatchee’s contributions have been over $15,000 all benefiting the Refuges and visitors in many ways. They have supported research in cultural and natural resources to provide a sound basis for educational and Refuge management activities. They have also produced informative newsletters which are distributed free of charge. to the public. More information about the Friends group can be found at: Friends of Loxahatchee.

Read the Friends latest newsletter, The Gator Tales.

Refuge Volunteer Program

Each year, volunteers contribute more than 15000 hours to Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors, residents, families, school groups, scouts, businesses, people just like you help care for our trails,and the Visitor Center. Many volunteers return year after year. Requirements vary, depending on what role you would like to play in the Refuge.

Volunteers at Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge now have access to RV pads with sewer and electrical hookups at no cost to them. Prior to actually hooking up, volunteers must get permission from the Volunteer Coordinator, a Voluntary Agreement Form will be filled out, and all expectations of work assignments will be explained. The length of staying within the Refuge will be determined prior to actual arrival. The minimum expectation will be clearly outlined, (at least four weeks) and lengthy stays should be outlined ahead of time to accommodate other potential VIPs. Applications from Volunteers will be accepted throughout the year. There are currently three pads in the compound area that will be used by RV's, trailers, or motor homes. These RV hookups are approximately 20 feet apart, each with a 50 amp electrical hookup and sewer lines.

Volunteers who are working at the Refuge will be expected to assist park staff, follow directions, and assist visitors in a professional and courteous manner that is consistent with the Fish and Wildlife high standards. All applications will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, national origin, sex, age, color, political affiliation or physical handicap. We supply uniform shirts and hats. It is not our policy to offer any stipends for volunteers. Once the application is completed, prospective volunteers should call to set up an interview date and time. If you enjoy working with people and you are interested in the natural world around you, then the A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge could be the place for you.

Please fill out, print and mail the Volunteer Application Form to: 

     Charles Ryan

     Volunteer Coordinator

      A.R.M.Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

      10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach Fl 33473

 

13th Annual Everglades Day Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to fill the many jobs on Everglades Day February 11, 2012 at the refuge.  Even if you have never been a volunteer before you can be one for the day.  Contact Chuck Ryan for further information.

Chuck Ryan

Volunteer Coordinator

charles_ryan@fws.gov

561-735-6010

Your help is needed! Volunteers must attend a special Everglades Day Orientation on either Thursday, February 2, at 5:30PM or on Saturday, February 4, at 1:00PM in the Auditorium at the Refuge.

The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation

 

Through education, scholarship programs, community awareness and volunteer activities, the primary mission of the Arthur R. Marshall Jr. Foundation and its Florida Environmental Institute is to develop, promote and deliver science-based education and public outreach programs that are central to the restoration of the Everglades ecosystem and its historic River of Grass. A significant portion of The Arthur R. Marshall Foundation’s mission is to educate young people and the public about the one-of-a-kind Everglades ecosystem. More information on the history of the Everglades and Art Marshall’s efforts to preserve this ecosystem can be found at http://www.artmarshall.org/