Environmental Education

Funding Postions

Local schools rely on the Refuge as a place to bring science to life for their students. Friends help fund two AmeriCorps service positions that coordinate environmental education programs, as well as a full-time Contract Education Specialist who collaborates with partner organizations and supports the AmeriCorps members at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Reducing Barriers

Through our Rides-to-the-Refuge grant, local school teachers can apply for funding to cover the costs of bus transportation. Transportation costs are a significant barrier for many schools in accessing outdoor education opportunities, and this grant program aims to provide equitable access to local public lands.

Making Science Real

Funding from Friends supports citizen-science-based field experiences for students visiting Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge through the Eye On Nature partnership. These experiences culminate in visits to build upon year-long outdoor education opportunities hosted by local government and non-profit partners. 

Outreach and Interpretation

Guided Walks

Free guided walks are offered at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge throughout the seasons. These walks are a great way for first-time visitors to get to know the Refuge or for long-time lovers of the Refuge to deepen their understanding of the habitats, wildlife, and history found there. Guided walks are supported by Friends through advertisement in the quarterly Flyway Newsletter and financial support as requested. Interested in seeing upcoming programs? Check the Refuge Website for the schedule.

Summer Lecture Series

For over 20 years, Friends have hosted the Annual Summer Lecture Series at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. These free weekly lectures, held throughout the summer, are sure to enrich your understanding of the natural world. Interested in seeing upcoming Summer Lectures? Check the Refuge website for the schedule.

Special Events

Want to crawl inside of a 40-foot salmon and have storytellers light up your imagination with tales of local wildlife? Or maybe you’d rather take a field trip with experienced guides to locate rare shorebirds during spring migration? Friends are here to help! We fund special events like the Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival and the Annual Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival, where you can enjoy these activities and much more!

Nature Shop

Educating the Public

Stop by the Nature Shop in the Norm Dicks Visitor Center at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge to find a constantly tailored selection of local authors, field guides, natural and cultural history books, gifts, and more. Items carried in the Nature Shop promote awareness and stewardship of Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge and the greater Puget Sound area.

Raising Funds

Proceeds from the Nature Shop serve as an important source of funding for the Friends. We use these funds to accomplish our mission of supporting Refuge programs.