Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

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Go to the official Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge website. NSNWR was established in 1990 with the purpose to protect, restore and reconstruct and manage native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow.

The power of a Friends group is its members. Become a member today to support projects that benefit both wildlife and people at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.

Fall of 2028 is now the anticipated timeline for the completion of construction and for the building to reopen. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service recently released a draft compatibility determination to propose and collect comments on how the Refuge will continue with its offerings of environmental education and interpretation on-site once the Visitor Center is repaired.
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News and Events

NEAL SMITH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LAUNCHES NEW SATURDAY VISITOR OUTREACH INITIATIVE

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is launching a new volunteer-led outreach initiative to enhance the visitor experience on weekends. Starting Saturday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m., volunteers will debut a dedicated visitor welcome station located directly in front of the refuge’s visitor center.

The initiative, spearheaded by refuge volunteers Mary and Rick Fox, aims to provide a warm welcome and essential trail information to guests as they arrive to explore the refuge's vast prairie landscape.

To celebrate the kickoff, the outreach table plans to feature unique family-friendly attractions, including:

  • White-Bison Calf Stickers: Fun, complimentary giveaways for visitors.

  • Life-Sized Photo Opportunity: A life-sized image of the refuge's famous white bison calf, perfect for family photos.

Volunteer Opportunities Available

Following the launch, the refuge hopes to expand the program and is actively seeking enthusiastic volunteers to staff the outreach table on future Saturdays. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge staff will provide all necessary equipment for volunteers, including a canopy tent, tables, and chairs.

"We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our volunteers who make these connection points possible," said Nancy Corona, Visitor Services Manager at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. "Their support is vital to sharing the beauty and importance of the refuge with our community."

Individuals interested in volunteering for a Saturday shift or learning more about the initiative are encouraged to contact Nancy Corona via email at nancy_corona@fws.gov or by phone at 515-994-3400.

Celebrate the new calf and support the Refuge a limited edition magnet! These will be shipped with each new membership or a donation of $5.00 or more made to the Friends of Neal Smith NWR. These flat magnets can be used indoors and outdoors, on cars, fridges or file cabinets.

Give Now!

The summer interns are already hard at work. Read about their busy week in Field Notes.

The latest issue of Prairie Wind newsletter is now posted online. In this issue you can read messages from Scott Gilje, Refuge Manager, and see what’s happening this spring from Nancy Corona, Visitor Services Manager. This issue also features pictures of the Design Concepts of the Visitor Center Changes, and much more!