Friends of the Bear River Refuge

We are a not-for-profit support group whose members are wildlife enthusiasts who care about nature and wild places. We feel an obligation to learn more about the natural world, share that knowledge with others, and preserve the Refuge as a place for future generations to experience and learn to care about.

We are involved with the operation of the James V. Hansen Wildlife Education Center, assisting with the public education programs and other projects. The Friends have been partners in this endeavor since the early planning phase. Serving as a national example, fund raising by the Friends made the project possible. In total a match of $1.5 million in cash and in kind services were donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist in the construction of the center.

The Wildlife Education Center provides classroom facilities for school-aged children as well as adults, a laboratory for wildlife researchers, an exhibit area, auditorium, and the Avocet Corner Bookstore. Profits from the store are used to support refuge projects and educational programs.