The National Wildlife Refuge System is committed to building partnerships which encourage conservation and preservation of our natural and cultural resources.  Partnerships with the Refuge System bring innovative approaches to solving land management and water disputes in the most environmentally protective manner.  Scientifically-informed and technologically-based stewardship of our public lands, waters, wildlife and special places must be collaborative efforts between the Refuge System, other government agencies, and private organizations if conservation efforts are to succeed.

The Don Edward Refuge works with numerous partners to reach common goals.  The San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) cooperating association was established in 1987 to promote the refuge and public awareness of the San Francisco Bay.  Partners such as the Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge and Friends of Redwood City work to protect wetland habitats, California Department of Fish and Wildlife assists with enforcement of wildlife protection laws, and other organizations such as California Coastal Conservancy, San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, PRBO Conservation Science, and US Geological Survey assists with science and the monitoring of wildlife and habitat.