President’s Message
Summer 2026
by Jordan Oster

Dear Friends,

What an exciting and memorable moment it has been for our refuge community!

This spring, we celebrated the birth of a rare white bison calf at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The arrival of this lively calf has captured the imagination of visitors from across Iowa and beyond, serving as a powerful reminder of the wonder and resilience of the prairie ecosystem we work so hard to protect.

The excitement surrounding the calf has also brought an incredible influx of new members to the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I extend a warm welcome to each of you who have joined us since the calf joined the herd. Your membership strengthens our mission to support environmental education, conservation internships, and habitat restoration at the refuge.

We are grateful for the enthusiasm, curiosity, and generosity that so many people have shown in recent weeks. Whether you are a longtime supporter or a first-time member inspired by the white calf ’s story, you are now part of a community dedicated to preserving this special place for future generations.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and on the prairie trails as we celebrate this extraordinary chapter in the Refuge’s history.

Milky Way Over the Prairie, Patty Foster