Report Interesting Sightings!Did you see an otter, or an eagle? Share the sighting and location with others, so they can share in the fun, too! CONTACT US to let us know!
Visit The Refuge!Interactive maps and PDF versions are available on our VISIT page!
Click Here to Contact the Friends |
About the Friends...Over the years, small groups of Refuge supporters have worked on projects such as building trails, surveying wildlife and eradicating invasive species. As the numbers of volunteers grew, so did the desire to do more…for both the Refuge and our communities.
In 2009, a group of these dedicated volunteers teamed with the Conservation Law Center at Indiana University and decided to incorporate as a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area. The Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge was born! In 2010 the group received tax exempt status as a 501(c)3 public charity. Today, the Friends are still building trails and fighting invasive species on the Refuge, but they're also planning for the future. You're seeing more of the Friends out in the Community: offering programs and activities, and educating the public about this special place and what it has to offer. We hope you'll come out to a program or join us for a work session. We're always looking for a few more Friends! Nature Hike @ the Refuge - June 2On Saturday, June 2, at 9 am Central Time (10 am Eastern Time) in conjunction with National Trails Day, the Friends of Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge are sponsoring a nature hike at the Snakey Point/Columbia Mine Area. The hike will last approximately two hours.
The nature hike will feature stops at pollinator plantings and at a recently constructed pier at Snakey Point Marsh, discussions on an Eastern Box Turtle study at the Refuge and grassland habitat management activities, as well as bird watching. We will observe the results of a controlled burn and check out a Barn Owl nesting box. Wildlife biologist and current Friends of Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge vice-president, David Howell, will guide the hike. The hike will start at Boyd’s Trail parking lot, just east of Snakey Point. Suitable clothing and shoes, as well as insect repellent, are suggested. Maps of the Refuge and over 11 miles of hiking trails will be available. To get to the Boyd’s Trail parking lot, head east on SR 64 through Oakland City. Just outside the city, turn left (north) onto paved CR 1275 E. Continue about a half mile and bear left onto CR 1300 E, which becomes gravel. Continue about one mile to the Boyd’s parking lot on the left. Look for posted brown Refuge signs along the way. For further information, contact Howell at 812-455-5256. |
What's Happening?Check out our HAPPENINGS page to learn more about what's going on at Patoka River NWR!
2018 Board of DirectorsDoug Brown
Lewis Cline Nancy Gehlhausen, President Tony Greenwell David Howell, Vice President Arnie Howes Holly Hume Thom Kinney, Treasurer Julie Loehr Valerie McCoy Steve Nelson Richard Vernier Sue Vernier, Secretary Ron Young |
Who are the Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge?
The Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge are neighbors, visitors, families, and individuals...people just like you who enjoy being outdoors and are curious about our natural world...people who value having open spaces and natural habitats for native plants, wildlife, and people!
