From The Editor

By Sue Hix, Friends of Sherburne NWR (MN) Editor, The Link

Though an especially warm day makes it seem like summer is lingering, fall is officially here. Students are back in school, foliage is drying and taking on new color, and décor for Halloween and Christmas is easy to find on store shelves. Time to update Friends with an issue of The Link!

It’s also time to congratulate two Friends organizations that have been recognized for noteworthy accomplishments this year:

• Friends of Ottawa NWR (OH), known for their “unwavering commitment and enthusiasm,” were named the Molly Krival Award - Friends Group of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association (Refuge Association). Read about the many accomplishments of this deserving group on the Refuge Association website.

• The Friends of Haystack Rock (OR) were awarded the O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends. This annual honor recognizes the outstanding efforts of Friends who “work tirelessly to protect and enhance the natural wonders of our national wildlife refuges.” More details and photos are on the Refuge Association’s blog.

Your editorial staff invites you to sit back, relax, and take a virtual trip around the country to see Friends in action in their special places.

Enjoy our summer/fall issue!

• Virtual Hill Days Offer Advocacy Opportunities for Refuge and Hatchery Friends, Libby Marking, National Wildlife Refuge Association

• Advocacy in Action – Via Zoom, Barb Howard, Friends of the Tampa Bay NWRs

• Advocacy in Action – In Person at the Refuge, Cheryl Hart, Friends of Tualatin River NWR

• What’s Up with the Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA), Joan Patterson, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates (CORFA)

• Your CORFA Board Says: “Help Wanted!”

• I Think I’ll Go Outside for a While, Lisa Jansen-Rees, Friends of the Wichitas

• A Trip Around the Country – No Packing Required, A Photo Tour

• Previews of Coming Webinars, Sue Wilder, Coalition of Refuge Friends and Advocates