Get Together with Friends at the Refuge

Make new friends, and keep the old!  That is just what the Friends of Hagerman are hoping to do at the 2012 Annual Meeting, set for 10 am on Saturday, March 24, in the Audio Visual Classroom, FOH Center, at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. 

The Annual Meeting is an opportunity for members to celebrate the accomplishments of the organization for the calendar year 2011, the 6th year for the group.  In addition, Kathy Whaley, Refuge Manager, will present “The State of the Refuge” and directors will be elected by the general membership of the Friends.

The Friends were incorporated as a non-profit group in August, 2005; their mission:  to instill reverence, respect and conservation of our wild creatures and habitats through supporting environmental education, recreational activities, and programs of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Sherman, Texas, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In 2008 the process of updating the bylaws began and in 2009 the board of directors was enlarged to the present 14 directors, with committees organized for programs, fundraising, communication, membership, and more.

Late in 2009 a Nature Photo Club was begun through the auspices of the Friends, and in 2010, the Nest Box Committee was formed and the Nature Nook Committee was added, to begin planning for the future book and gift shop.  

Each of these changes has brought about new opportunities and ways to be involved and increased support for the Refuge and its work.  So whether you are a long-time Friend, a new Friend, or would like to become a Friend, come on out to the Annual Meeting.