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!
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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! Pollinator & Wildflower Planting ProgramOn Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 9 am Central Time (10 am Eastern Time) the Friends of Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge will sponsor a free program on fall preparation for pollinator/wildflower plantings. The program will take place on Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge at Boyd’s Trail parking area, just east of Snaky Point.
The presentation will focus on establishing a pollinator/wildflower planting. Proper ground preparation, seed sources and mixes, timing of planting and planting techniques will be discussed. David Howell, wildlife biologist and Friends of Patoka River NWR board member, will present the program. To get to the Boyd’s Trail parking lot, drive east on SR 64 from 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 one mile to the Boyd’s parking lot on the left. Look for posted brown Refuge signs along the way. For more information, contact David Howell at 812-455-5256. Endangered Species Highlight Patoka River NWR Appreciation Day“Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge - A Home for Endangered Species” is the theme for the annual Refuge Appreciation Day. The event, hosted by the Friends of the Patoka River NWR and the Patoka River NWR, will be Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 9 am until 2 pm CT at Wirth Park in Oakland City, IN.
Featured morning programs are about endangered and recovered Indiana species. There will be programs on the state endangered swamp rabbit and the alligator snapping turtle. The Hardy Lake/Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center will present both endangered and recovered species of live birds. Morning programs will begin at 9:30 am CT. Throughout the day, visitors will be able to explore over 20 booths that showcase nature, the environment, and conservation. Children’s crafts will take place in the small shelter house, and food, including breakfast and lunch provided by the Oakland City Eagles, will be available for purchase. The event and parking are free and open to the public. In case of inclement weather the event will be held indoors at the park. Come and enjoy nature at its best! Schedule of Events on Central Time 9 am - 2 pm Booths and Children’s Crafts Building open to the public 9 - 9:10 am Presentation of Friends Award 9:10 - 9:25 am Endangered Species at PRNWR by Heath Hamilton, Assistant Refuge Manager 9:30 - 10:25 am Swamp Rabbit by Brad Westrich, INDNR 10:30 - 11:25 am Alligator Snapping Turtle by Ethan Kessler, INDNR 11:30 am - 12:45 pm Live birds, Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center by Leslie Grow, INDNR |
What's Happening?NOTICE: Due to damage incurred during flooding earlier in the year, the Buck's Marsh boardwalk (parking off of Hwy. 57 on Base Rd.) is now closed for repairs. The repairs involve raising the boardwalk to reduce the likelihood of future damage and include extending the walkway farther into the marsh. Stay tuned for updates!
Check our HAPPENINGS page to learn more about what's going on at Patoka River NWR! 
2019 Board of DirectorsDoug Brown
Lewis Cline, Vice President Nancy Gehlhausen, President Tony Greenwell David Howell Arnie Howes Holly Hume Levi Hume Julie Loehr, Secretary Bill McCoy Steve Nelson, Treasurer Preston Richardt Richard Vernier Vicky Whitaker Ron Young 
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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!