The Friends of Parker River Promise: Where Your Donation Goes

The Friends is an all-volunteer nonprofit that has been supporting the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge for more than three decades. The group is committed to protecting and enhancing the Refuge’s 4,700 acres of pristine dunes, beaches, and the Great Salt Marsh.

A purchase helps our continued efforts in three vital areas:

1. Investing in the Next Generation of Conservationists (Intern Programs)

Net funds directly support essential internships, providing crucial job training and hands-on experience for college students. These young professionals are the core of field operations, responsible for critical work like conducting specialized surveys and protecting threatened species. Last season, interns were crucial in installing Piping Plover nest exclosures and monitoring nesting success.

2. Direct Habitat Restoration and Project Support

The Friends help fund the tools and logistics for volunteer-driven projects that keep the Refuge healthy. This includes regular beach cleanups, infrastructure maintenance (trails and boardwalks), and crucial habitat defense, such as the removal of invasive plants (like oriental bittersweet and morrow honeysuckle) that threaten native ecosystems.

3. Enriching Community Engagement and Education

The Friends provide public access and educational materials to foster widespread appreciation for this unique ecosystem. Support funds vital community events, including biologist-led Salt Marsh Tours, informative public lectures, and the successful Artist-in-Residence program, which connects local creativity to the natural world.

Ready to Wear Your Support? Click the links below. 

Shop today and join the 30+ year legacy of protecting one of the most productive coastal ecosystems in the Atlantic Flyway.