 | Friends of PatuxentSupporting Research, Wildlife Conservation, and Education at the Patuxent Research Refuge |
| Who We AreFRIENDS OF PATUXENT (Friends) is a group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who share a passion, and work hard to support and promote the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Patuxent Research Refuge and the US Geological Survey's Eastern Ecological Science Center in Laurel, Maryland. Friends was originally formed in the late 1980s at the request of the Refuge Director to raise funds for a wildlife visitor center at Patuxent Research Refuge. Friends of Patuxent was incorporated in 1992 as a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. With support from Friends, Congress, and local governments, organizations, and private donors, the National Wildlife Visitor Center was built and opened in 1994. Friends of Patuxent operates the Wildlife Images Bookstore and Nature Shop at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, and holds seasonal fundraisers at North or South Tract as a means of generating funds to support the Refuge. The money raised is used to support the missions and programs at Patuxent Research Refuge and the Eastern Ecological Science Center. |
Mission & VisionFRIENDS OF PATUXENT’S mission is to support the research, wildlife conservation and education missions and programs of the Refuge and Science Center. We raise funds for educational programs, exhibits, and research, as well as other Refuge and Science Center projects. |
Board of DirectorsOfficers:
| Members:
| General Counsel:
Agency liaison representatives:
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Friends of Patuxent Board meetings are held every two months at the National Wildlife Visitor Center on the third Tuesday of the month. In-person board meetings are usually scheduled for 5 PM. The meetings for fiscal year (2024) are: January 16, March 19, May 21, July 16, September 17, October 15 Annual Membership Meeting—to be determined |