Friends of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex is a volunteer-run 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that helps fund education, interpretation, and outreach programs at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Since 1999, we have been dedicated to promoting public awareness and appreciation of the natural and cultural history of the Puget Sound area, the Nisqually River Watershed, and the Nisqually Estuary.

Our primary source of revenue is the Nature Shop, located in the Norm Dicks Visitor Center at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. All proceeds from The Nature Shop are used to support Refuge programs.

We also raise money through membership dues, donations, and grants. Please consider donating Today!

Our Board of Directors

Justin Hall, President

Justin has spent over 25 years working and living in the Nisqually Watershed. He has been the executive director of the Nisqually River Foundation since its inception in 2004. The NRF provides staffing and project management for the Nisqually River Council, of which Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a member. Prior to joining the NRF, Justin worked as a natural resources extension agent for Michigan State University (MSU) and as a forester for the University of Washington’s Pack Experimental Forest. 

Rob Barlow

Rob found his way to the refuge by traveling the world, first as an “Air Force brat” and then as an active-duty Air Force member. He graduated from California Polytechnic University and later completed a master’s degree. Retiring from the service, he chose to settle in the Puyallup area. Not ready to retire, he worked in the retail and manufacturing business locally, focusing on purchasing and supply chain functions. After many years of this, he took his love of the outdoors and began volunteering at the Nisqually NWR around 2011. After several years of working in the Visitor Center, he volunteered to assist with the Nature Shop. He made this a family project and convinced his wife, Carolyn, to help him with this task, and they continue to do so to this day.

Lynn Corliss

Lynn Corliss received her B.A. in Biology from Earlham College and her M.Ed. in Science Education from the University of Georgia. Her professional interests include working with several species of sea turtles and promoting community collaboration for conservation of the species. As a result of her community work with the endangered Hawksbill sea turtle in Antigua, West Indies, Lynn received an international award from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). She has served on the board of directors for several non-profits and was instrumental in establishing three new science education projects on the East Coast. Lynn has served on the Board for the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators. She leads nature walks and volunteers with Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Black Hills Audubon Society, and the Thurston County and City of Olympia Stream Team programs. In 2011, she participated in a Workshop by the National Association for Interpretation, where she led a walk for visitors from Russia and across the United States. She has taught science courses at South Puget Sound Community College, Centralia College, Heritage Institute, as well as several colleges in the southeast.

Susie Hayes

Susie was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in wildlife science. She worked in the field for a few years, raised her small children, and began a career in education, teaching 5th and 6th grade. Creating experiences for kids to learn about and connect with the natural world has always been a priority and a pleasure for her. So it’s natural for the circle to close in retirement by volunteering at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife National Refuge in the environmental education program, guiding trail walks, and leading classroom activities. Our kids are the future stewards of our Earth, and their education and appreciation of the natural world enthusiastically bring Susie to the Refuge.

Sheila McCartan

Sheila has a passion for sharing her love of nature with others. After earning a degree in environmental education, she spent her career working in visitor services on the West Coast’s National Wildlife Refuges. After 20 years as the Visitor Services Manager at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex, she retired from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Her connection to the Friends dates back to the organization’s inception in 1998, as she played a key role in its establishment. As a retired FWS employee and now a Refuge volunteer,  Sheila is committed to supporting both the Friends and the Refuges they serve.

Emily McCartan

Emily is an environmental planner at the Washington State Department of Ecology with lifelong roots in the beautiful landscapes of Puget Sound (including a special connection to the refuge through her aunt, Sheila). In previous roles with the Nisqually River Foundation and Long Live the Kings, she has supported conservation, salmon recovery, and education and outreach programs at the refuge and around the Nisqually Watershed.

Christi McGinley

Christi was born in Casper, Wyoming, and, after a winding path, graduated from The Evergreen State College with a degree in French language and cultural studies. Unsurprisingly, she loves to travel and learn. Her connection to the refuge began with long walks along what used to be its 5.5-mile trail (now 4 miles since the estuary restoration work was completed in 2009), where she watched wildlife, felt the wind, and breathed in the salt air, always finishing her walks feeling renewed. Over the years, Christi has volunteered for a variety of causes, and in 2019, she was fortunate to discover the opportunity to volunteer at the refuge—an experience that quickly became a passion. Her interests at the refuge are wide-ranging, though she has recently been especially drawn to exploring the refuge’s rich cultural history.