Goals
- We will make major contributions to the long-term health and vibrancy of the Refuge and its management. Friends of Ottawa (FONWR) provides substantial support for Refuge Complex operations, organizing and funding a variety of programs and projects.
- We will diversify and increase visitation without harming the wildlife or habitat. People from near and far experience the Refuge Complex in person and online as a world-class destination.
- We will increase the capacity of the Refuge in accordance with the Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The Refuge Complex will grow with significant help from the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
- We will be a strong and influential voice with national, state, and local leaders about the importance of conservation and of the Refuge Complex. The Friends of Ottawa NWR will actively advocate for the land, water, air, and wildlife.
- We will maintain a dynamic organization that is durable, sustainable, and held up as a national model among friends groups. The Friends of Ottawa NWR will be a strong organization with sufficient capacity to achieve our mission and goals.
Strategies
Our current strategies are focused in the following three areas:
Refuge Awareness
1. Promote on-site and off-site events focused on environmental education and awareness of this vital resource.
2. Engage with local chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and other community partners.
3. Provide unique opportunities for refuge visitors including presentations, guided tours and hikes.
4. Operate the Rookery Nature Store in the refuge Visitor Center to extend the visitor experience through relevant merchandise.
5. Engage with local, state, and federal representatives to advocate for Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
Human Capacity
1. Build and retain a team of volunteers. With only 8 full-time year-round refuge staff and 1 full-time Friends staff member, volunteers are the lifeblood of the refuge.
2. Promote an annual membership program to involve refuge supporters.
Funding
1. Connect with interested parties and purchase properties relevant to the refuge to become part of the refuge complex.
2. Fund restoration efforts and maintenance projects on refuge properties.
3. Fund visitor access projects including kayak launches, fishing platforms, and trails.
4. Provide intern stipends to provide college students with incredible experiences and networking opportunities while allowing refuge staff to focus on on-going projects.
5. Provide transportation grants so that local schools can take field trips to experience the refuge.
Through donor-centered fundraising, we seek grant opportunities, individual donors, and corporations to help make all of this possible.
Refuge Awareness
1. Promote on-site and off-site events focused on environmental education and awareness of this vital resource.
2. Engage with local chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and other community partners.
3. Provide unique opportunities for refuge visitors including presentations, guided tours and hikes.
4. Operate the Rookery Nature Store in the refuge Visitor Center to extend the visitor experience through relevant merchandise.
5. Engage with local, state, and federal representatives to advocate for Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge.
Human Capacity
1. Build and retain a team of volunteers. With only 8 full-time year-round refuge staff and 1 full-time Friends staff member, volunteers are the lifeblood of the refuge.
2. Promote an annual membership program to involve refuge supporters.
Funding
1. Connect with interested parties and purchase properties relevant to the refuge to become part of the refuge complex.
2. Fund restoration efforts and maintenance projects on refuge properties.
3. Fund visitor access projects including kayak launches, fishing platforms, and trails.
4. Provide intern stipends to provide college students with incredible experiences and networking opportunities while allowing refuge staff to focus on on-going projects.
5. Provide transportation grants so that local schools can take field trips to experience the refuge.
Through donor-centered fundraising, we seek grant opportunities, individual donors, and corporations to help make all of this possible.