Written by Matthew Know, AmeriCorps VISTA intern with FOHR
Friends of Heinz Refuge (FOHR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cooperating association founded in 1997 to assist the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) in carrying out its educational, interpretive, and public use missions. We are part of a nationwide network of “Friends” organizations serving over 230 national wildlife refuges.
The Friends of Heinz Refuge works in partnership with John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge to connect people with nature and promote a culture of environmental stewardship through education, outreach, service and nature-based recreation for the conservation of wildlife and habitat. We envision a society that understands, appreciates, and takes responsibility for the natural world. We foresee significant and meaningful preservation of the natural world for current and future generations of people and wildlife.
The funds we raise support programs at the Refuge such as free buses for school students to visit the Refuge, restoring marshes and managing invasive species, public programming like archery, and other free events like our Summer Solstice Festival.
Our plastics committee helps work towards a pollution-free watershed with free educational events and volunteer opportunities for concerned citizens – look out for our recent webinar series on our YouTube channel or the FOHR website!
Are you looking to get involved and support the Refuge? We would love to have more FRIENDS.
Our membership options start at as little as $15 a year for students and seniors, which gives you access to our e-bulletin, newsletter, special events, and a 10% discount in the Friends’ Nature Store. Please consider joining us today to help enhance our backyard.
