Ways to Get Involved
More than 200 non-profit Refuge Friends organizations support national wildlife refuges, whether they work with a single refuge, a refuge complex or an entire state. Friends members are crucial to conserving and protecting our nation’s wildlife and teaching millions of Americans that their actions today determine the conservation legacy of tomorrow. More than 42,000 people volunteer their time and ideas each year to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Whether they work on the land, in a visitor center or with youth, they contribute to the conservation mission that reaches back more than a century. Become a volunteer or Refuge Friend to contribute your strength on behalf of America’s natural resources.
Volunteering
Discover for yourself what tens of thousands of volunteers have learned: Volunteering for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is fun and rewarding in many ways. Learn new skills, meet new friends and enjoy a sense of accomplishment from doing your part to further wildlife conservation for the pleasure of generations to follow.
Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge is always looking for volunteers especially to assist with refuge events and programs, conduct trail safety checks, picking up litter, and assisting with habitat work. The refuge also hosts large scale volunteer days including kids fishing day and other events through out Audubon Wetland Management District. If interested in volunteering, please fill out the volunteer application form and email it to the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (audubon@fws.gov) or via mail to Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, 3275 11th St NW, Coleharbor, ND 58531.
Our Partners
Partnerships foster creative solutions to challenging situations and often the results are greater than the sum of the parts.
The refuge cooperates on many projects between partners like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, Garrison Diversion Units, North Dakota Game and Fish, Garrison Fish Hatchery, Ducks Unlimited, Douglas Sportsmens Club, North Country Trail, local schools and many universities.
Another key partner is our friends organization. Audubon Refuge Partners Inc. mission is to support the refuges in their efforts to preserve, protect and restore the biological diversity of the refuges, while providing the opportunity for wildlife oriented activities, education and scientific research.
Friends Groups Are:
- Advocates for a local refuge and the National Wildlife Refuge System
- Formal organizations designed to support the mission of the refuges
- Private, independent organization formed and managed by local citizens
For more information contact: Audubon National Wildlife Refuge (audubon@fws.gov).
Education Programs
A student internship, a fellowship, or a volunteer opportunity at a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge , fish hatchery or other U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site, can be a life-changing experience. The refuge works with high school and college students to provide volunteer internship opportunities throughout the year working with the visitor services, maintenance, and biology program. Formal paid internships in visitor services, biology, and maintenance are also offered on a regular basis based on refuge needs. Internships are usually for the summer months and the application process typically occurs in late wintertime period.