Friends of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is pleased to share that our Executive Director will be attending the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Friends Academy in July 2026.

In just a few weeks, Director Wicks will join peers from across the country at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Friends Academy.

This is a unique, immersive program designed to strengthen the people behind the partnerships that support our nation’s wildlife refuges. The conference, of sorts, takes place at the National Conservation Training Center just outside of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It is here where public lands professionals from across the country gather for any sort of necessary course running the gamut from drone operation or community engagement. 

For many Friends organizations, leadership is built not only through experience, but through connection. Friends Academy creates space for that connection. Friends staff and board members learn from one another as they face similar challenges and opportunities in conservation, community engagement, and nonprofit growth. Over several days, participants step away from their day-to-day responsibilities to focus on the bigger picture: how to lead more effectively, how to build resilient organizations, and how to deepen collaboration with refuge staff and communities.

For Friends of Malheur, this experience is about more than professional development. It is about bringing renewed perspective and strengthened skills back to the work we do every day. From refining fundraising strategies and strengthening partnerships, the knowledge gained at Friends Academy will help guide our organization into its next chapter.

Just as Malheur National Wildlife Refuge depends on healthy systems and strong connections, so too does our work depend on thoughtful leadership. This opportunity reflects our commitment to growing that leadership and thus ensuring we can continue to support the refuge, engage our community, and inspire stewardship for years to come.

Be sure to check back in for an update from Janelle about her experience at Friends Academy in the August issue of our monthly Malheur Musings.