WASHINGTON, D.C. – JULY 7TH, 2023
In the heart of Ohio, a labor of love is unfolding as Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (FONWR) in Oak Harbor, Ohio, seamlessly connects conservation and the local community. Their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm have earned them the esteemed Molly Krival Award – Friends Group of the Year for the 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards, presented by the National Wildlife Refuge Association (Refuge Association).
Named in honor of the late Molly Krival, a trailblazer in the Refuge Friends Group movement, this award recognizes the exceptional contributions of dedicated volunteers in Friends organizations, who provide indispensable services to the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Refuge Association’s 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards ceremony and dinner will take place on September 26th at 5:30 pm at the iconic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., and media coverage of the event is encouraged.
”There is an education and awareness when it comes to telling the story of our refuge, and our Friends work tirelessly to ensure the community is engaged with our work and mission,” said Kendra Foust, President of FONWR. “They do it all – host guests, answer phones, raise funds, plan events – to name a few, and they do it with energy and a smile. It’s a remarkable group that inspires the conservation movement here in our community.”
Among their notable accomplishments are:
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Collaborating with Partners for Fish and Wildlife and vendors to treat 846 acres for invasive species on private lands.
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Organizing an environmental education teacher’s workshop, made possible by an Ohio Environmental Education Fund grant.
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Supporting the Bird Friendly Facility project through volunteer efforts and the acquisition of interpretive displays, which help prevent bird strikes and educate visitors on effective measures to prevent such incidents.
Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge‘s remarkable achievements and their dedication to building a harmonious bond between conservation and the local community make them deserving recipients of this prestigious award. Let’s celebrate their outstanding efforts at the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 2023 Wildlife Refuge Awards, honoring their invaluable contributions.
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The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a non-profit exclusively focused on protecting, promoting, and enhancing the 850-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, the world’s largest network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife conservation.
For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Communications Manager at [email protected].
