Dear Friends,
The holiday season is upon us! We at Friends of Malheur Refuge hope that you are surrounded by all the comforts that you hold dear as winter stills the landscape and 2018 draws to a close.
Nestled in our corner of the vast expanse that we call home, it is a time for reflecting on the year behind us and looking ahead to benchmarks in the coming year. With the support of our membership through generous donations of time, talents and money, we are proud of our many accomplishments in 2018. From involvement in the Annual Harney County Migratory Bird Festival, the granting of a $1,000 scholarship, sponsorship of the Refuge’s Feather Studies art-in-education program, hosting our annual Carp Derby, opening the Crane’s Nest Nature Center and Store in its new location at Refuge Headquarters and more – there is so much to be proud of.
In 2019, the Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge will turn 20 years old! For this very special birthday we are looking forward to working with you, our Friends volunteers, and the Worthy Brewing Garden Club to put in our new Pollinator Garden just outside the Nature Center! Much like the buds in our spring garden, we will look towards that which nourishes our organization and find new and beautiful ways to bloom.
As you may know, much has changed for us over the years, including the needs of our Refuge and the capacity in which we serve to support it. One important lesson we have learned through the good times and the tough moments is that we can do more together. For that reason, we are continually grateful for our Friends – you are our greatest gift.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving. On the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, you’ll have the chance to support this Friends group in its mission to conserve, enhance, and restore habitat for wildlife at Malheur Refuge, as well as provide wildlife-dependent educational and recreational opportunities for the public.
Please keep Friends of Malheur Refuge in mind for your end-of-year giving. Your contributions will help us celebrate 20 years of service to the Refuge and grow in new ways.
Thank you, and happy holidays!
Janelle L Wicks, Executive Director
Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
