Friends of the Bosque del Apache NWR

Description

The Friends of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge work on behalf of birds and wildlife, helping to protect the critically important habitat of the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, and helping to educate and inform the public about the value and beauty of all life at the Bosque. The Friends sponsors educational programs related to the Refuge, including a watershed education program for elementary students called Mapping the Rio. The Friends sponsors a bus scholarship program to bring students from across New Mexico to the Refuge for first-hand educational experience. The Friends also joins with the City of Socorro to sponsor an annual Festival of the Cranes that brings hundreds of visitors to the Refuge location for workshops, hikes, and opportunities to learn about wildlife and wildlife habitat. Friends fundraising activities have supported such projects as a Boardwalk nature trail, a Desert Arboretum, Marsh Loop trail restoration, the Lannan Education Annex at the Refuge Visitor Center, the regional Junior Duck Stamp Program, Refuge research projects, and acquisition of the Chupadera Peak land for donation to the Refuge.