Friends of the Bill Williams River and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges
Friends needed....
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife observers, hikers, birders, wildlife photographers, hunters, fishermen, kayakers, and environmental educators...
The Friends of the Bill Williams River and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges are a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts seeking like-minded individuals to join us in our efforts. Our goals include fund-raising for Refuge projects, and volunteerism to support Refuge projects and events. Your membership dues will help support projects on our refuges, and you can volunteer your labor and talents to give back to your community and help make this endeavor successful. If you would like to join our Friends group, or would like more information regarding our organization, please attend one of our general meetings, one of our events, or send us an email using the contact form located here:
Contact Us
You can now join us, renew your membership, or donate to our cause online using Paypal and your credit card (Paypal account not required). Click HERE
You can now join us, renew your membership, or donate to our cause online using Paypal and your credit card (Paypal account not required). Click HERE
NFWF Grant Awarded to Friends of Bill Williams River and Havasu NWR
Earlier this year our Friends group applied for a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Grant to purchase a computer, office equipment, and software that will enable us to have a mobile office capable of giving power point presentations to community groups and schools, enhancing our ability to provide Environmental Education to the public. On June 7, 2013 we received the following announcement from the NFWF:
“We are pleased to advise you that the Board of Directors of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has approved a grant of $2,638.95 to the Friends of the Bill Williams River and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges to support the Establishing Infrastructure for the Friends of the Bill Williams River and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges (AZ, CA) project. This grant is provided on the condition that these funds will be matched by $2,638.95 in matching contributions raised by the Friends of the Bill Williams River and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges.”
We would like to thank the NFWF for the award, and we will do our utmost to put it to good use.
May 18, 2013
Meeting Summary
Numerous topics were discussed including events, memberships, and future projects. To read a meeting summary, you can go HERE
2nd Annual
Friends & Family Fun Day
Approximately 300 visitors enjoyed a variety of events including a nature hike, archery, a chance to plant a native plant at the refuge, and a Fishing Clinic by Arizona Game and Fish.
Hot Dogs and snacks were provided by the Friends, and approximately $100.00 was donated to our group.
Be sure to attend next year, we promise it will be bigger and better!
Arizona Gives Day
On March 20, 2013, over 800 Arizona non-profits, including our Friends group, participated in Arizona Gives Day.
Our Friends group received a total of $60.00 in donations, all from our own members. Many thanks to those who participated.
We plan to participate next year, and hope to top that amount!
February 23, 2013
The Friends of the Bill Williams River and Havasu National Wildlife Refuges held a Special Event at Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters on Saturday, February 23, 2013.
The event began with a nature hike/birdwalk in the Bill Williams River delta area. The hike was led by Refuge Volunteer Jan Richmond and Refuge Ecologist Kathleen Blair, PHD. Participants hiked the uplands through a slot canyon to the Bill Williams River, where hikers waded the river, enjoying the sights and sounds of this riparian habitat.
After the hike, a presentation was given by Sharon Baur of the Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. The event concluded with a short General Meeting.
February 20, 2013
It rained most of the day, but the little trees were certainly enjoying the moisture. Cottonwood trees are native to the area, and mature cottonwoods are magnets for all types of wildlife.
The National Public Lands Day event held at the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge on September 29, 2012 was a great success. This event featured the inauguration of a new kayak water trail, while picking up trash in the refuge along the way.
A new non-motorized launch ramp was opened to celebrate the event. Mesquite Bay Central is located between Mesquite Bay South and Mesquite Bay North.
A dumpster load of trash was picked up, and our Friends group met the kayakers with cold refreshments and hot dogs at the end of the paddle.
Approximately 60 paddlers participated in the event. Jerkwater Canoe Company and Wacko, two local watercraft rental firms, provided canoes and kayaks for the event at no charge to participants.
Look for a bigger, better event next year!
Read the new article "The Trees Remember a River" by our Friend, Kathleen Blair, Ph.d. by going HERE
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General Meeting
Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 6:00 PM
Golden Shores Fire Station
Everyone is welcome! Please join us.
Friends General Meeting
at 1:00 PM
Among the General business that was discussed:
- It was determined that a General Meeting would not be held in the month of May. A Director's Retreat was scheduled for Board members the latter part of May. A summary of the Director's Retreat business will be presented at the June Friend's meeting.
- The Friends and Family Fun Day was discussed, including ways to improve the event for next year.
- Also discussed was a grant application made by our group for the funds to obtain computer equipment and a projector to allow us to offer Environmental Education programs to community groups.
Annual Meeting, Elections, and Potluck Supper
Our Friends Group's Annual Meeting was held on Saturday,
January 19, 2013 at the Golden Shores Fire Station.
The meeting began with a potluck dinner; one thing is certain, our Friends group has some major culinary talent on our roster. A variety of entrees and desserts covered the tables.
A business meeting followed during which our first slate of Officers was elected. The first Board of Directors for our Friends group consists of:
DeeDee DeLorenzo, President
Tom Daugherty, Vice President
Marge Penton, Secretary
Jennifer Rose, Treasurer
John Williams, Director at Large
In addition to the election, we were pleased to have Dick Gilbert, Manager of the Lake Havasu National Wildlife Refuge Complex in attendance. Dick gave a short speech, during which he had a hard time containing his excitement over the prospect of having a Friends group for these Refuges.
Other business, upcoming and proposed projects, and future meeting plans rounded out the discussions. We were pleased to hear that, from an initial core group of six, we have grown to over 30 members!
We also discussed an event at the Bill Williams River NWR Headquarters office to be held on February 23, 2013; the event is in the preliminary planning stages. The event is planned to include a nature/bird hike, general meeting, and a presentation by an official from a Friends group in Alaska. Keep checking the web site and our Friends group Facebook page for the latest information; a full article will be posted when more details are finalized.
2013 Youth Waterfowl Hunt
The official results of the CBC bird counts will be posted when they become available.
An article about the results of the Havasu CBC can be found by going HERE
