About Us
831
Children Attended Free Science Field Schools in Spring 2024
> $100,000
Annual Support To The NWR
5,000
Acres Added to the NWR Since 2015 With Help from The Friends
6,760
Volunteer Hours in 2023
SUPPORTING BALCONES CANYONLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
To conserve and protect the natural beauty, biodiversity, and ecological integrity of this unique region for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, in collaboration with the Friends organization, extends its commitment beyond habitat management for the Golden-cheeked Warbler and Black-capped Vireo. We aim to provide havens for our community, offering opportunities for refuge and recreation to everyone regardless of their location, income level, demographic, age or physical ability. Our work helps grow the collective consciousness for protecting and enjoying the natural environment and strengthen social bonds between diverse populations. We intentionally seek work in marginalized communities in order to help build a more inclusive community.
With over nine miles of meticulously maintained trails and four accessible public areas, we aspire for these sanctuaries to reconnect individuals with the natural world. The Friends group organizes various public events throughout the year, including engaging environmental education sessions benefiting over 1,000 schoolchildren each spring. Volunteers also lead guided hikes to the refuge's non-public areas and contribute thousands of hours annually to support the refuge's mission.
Mission
To support wildlife and habitat conservation at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, and in cooperation with the refuge to help broaden public awareness, education and advocacy.
Vision
The Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a diverse and vibrant community that values, sustains, and engages with nature in a meaningful manner.
History
Founded in 2002, the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge originated with a small group of nature enthusiasts committed to championing Central Texas' sole National Wildlife Refuge. Evolving from a mere handful of individuals, our organization has burgeoned into a community of hundreds of supporters. Nestled within the Texas Hill Country, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge boasts some of the region's finest habitats, and we are dedicated to perpetuating a legacy of habitat restoration, conservation, and nurturing the next generation of conservation advocates.
Our priorities at the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge remain centered on safeguarding both the land and its wildlife, fostering environmental education across all age groups, and devising programs that facilitate people's enjoyment and connection with nature. Our commitment to the refuge's mission takes shape through diverse initiatives, including the management of invasive species, financing infrastructure enhancements, establishment and upkeep of trails, and backing habitat restoration projects.
Projects
List of Services
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Endangered Species ConservationList Item 2
Specific projects focus on the conservation of the golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo, involving habitat protection, monitoring populations, and implementing measures to ensure the survival and recovery of these endangered bird species.
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Habitat RestorationList Item 1
The refuge actively engages in habitat restoration projects to maintain and enhance the natural landscapes. This includes efforts to control invasive species, promote native vegetation, and create suitable environments for the resident wildlife.
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Environmental Education Programs
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge conducts educational programs for all ages to raise awareness about the importance of conservation. These programs include guided nature walks, workshops, and outreach initiatives to connect the community with the refuge's natural resources.
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Trail Development and MaintenanceList Item 3
The refuge offers visitors a chance to explore its diverse landscapes through well-managed trails. Ongoing projects involve the development, improvement, and maintenance of these trails, providing recreational opportunities while minimizing the impact on the environment.
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Research and Monitoring
Scientific research plays a vital role in understanding and preserving the unique ecosystems within the refuge. Projects involve monitoring wildlife populations, studying plant communities, and collecting data to inform effective conservation strategies.
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Collaborative Initiatives
The refuge collaborates with the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge on joint initiatives which include fundraising, volunteer programs, and community outreach to garner broader support for conservation efforts.
2024 Board of Directors
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