Friends Accomplishments
Since 1987, the Friends organization has been working to support the Refuge. While some initiatives are ongoing, other recent efforts have been completed and have produced lasting results. Here are just a few:
St. Marks Lighthouse Restoration
Friends raised more than $1.3 million through private donations and public and private grants for preservation & protection of the St. Marks Lighthouse. Read more…
Before Restoration
After Restoration
Smith’s Island Bird Rookery
Friends provided direct funding and facilitated donations by environmental partners to acquire Smith’s Island, an important bird rookery. Read more…
Smith’s Island Rookery
Byrd Hammock Archeological Site
Friends facilitated the donation of Byrd Hammock, an important archaeological site. Read more…
Operation Migration
The Friends funded Operation Migration efforts to teach young Whooping Cranes their migration route south to Florida. Read more…
2021 NWRA Friendss Group of the Year!
The Friends organization was awarded the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 2021 Friends Group of the Year! Read more…
