Do you have a favorite National Wildlife Refuge or (Fish Hatchery)? Did you ever wonder how you could get more involved or demonstrate your support for a refuge or hatchery?
Friends
There are over 50 Friends groups in the Northeast Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service. These groups are private non-profit organizations formed and managed by local citizens to support the mission of a refuge and advocate for their local refuge and the National Wildlife Refuge System. The work these groups do is invaluable to our wildlife mission as well as the public activities that take place on refuges, fish hatcheries and other FWS stations.
Friends members enjoy a variety of benefits depending on the group. Benefits include interacting with other people who share a common interest in wildlife and conservation; opportunities to learn more about refuge management and conservation practices; discounts at the group’s gift shop and, possibly, at other gift shops as well; and, notification of upcoming Friends and refuge events.
To find out if your favorite refuge or fish hatchery has a Friends group or to start one, contact the Regional Friends Coordinator, Julie Study.
For additional information on friends groups across the country, please click here.
Volunteers
With close to 5,000 volunteers contributing in excess of 66,000 hours in the Northeast region, volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks. Some work full-time, some just a few hours a week or month. Still others volunteer during particular seasons of the year or help out with a favorite special event.
Who are our volunteers?
Our volunteers include children, retired people willing to share their wealth of knowledge, concerned citizens of all ages who want to learn more about conservation, and passionate people who enjoy the outdoors and want to spread the word about America's greatest natural treasures.
What do volunteers do?
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conduct fish and wildlife population surveys, lead tours and provide information to school groups and other visitors
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assist with laboratory research, improve habitat such as re-establishing native plants along a riverbank
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help with special projects such as banding ducks
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perform clerical and administrative duties
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work with computers and other technical equipment
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photograph a variety of natural and cultural resources
Generally, no special skills are required to be a volunteer. Any on-the-job training is provided if needed. Individual talents and skills are matched with volunteer interests and work opportunities.
How do I find out about volunteer opportunities?
You can find volunteer opportunities by contacting your local national wildlife refuge or Fish and Wildlife Service Office. Volunteer opportunities can also be found at Volunteer.gov/gov, an interagency Web site of national volunteer opportunities. This database provides you with a listing of potential volunteer opportunities nationwide.
You may also contact the regional volunteer coordinator, Julie Study.
