News
Camping and Trekking the Wichita Mountain
11/19/21 – Camping and Trekking the Wichita Mountains. Brett, a blogger/vlogger, writes about the weird and interesting places he explores throughout the USA. In November he and his dog Sammy visited the WMWR. Read the article→
Read MoreLunkers in the Refuge
6/2/22 – Lunkers in the Refuge. Lakes within the Refuge were recently touted as not only being clear but also containing lunkers, which as any angler will tell you, are truly a fun catch. Read the article→
Read MoreHelp us keep wildlife wild! Never paint a live turtle, including its shell.
Turtles grow between its scutes (the plates that make up a turtle’s external shell), so paint can impede the growth and health of a turtle. Additionally, chemical toxins may enter the turtle’s bloodstream through their shell, and noxious fumes can impair respiration. Read the full article from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service→
Read MoreAlthough the WMWR isn’t an official Dark Skies location, the staff have put many strategies in place to reduce light pollution.
Although the WMWR isn’t an official Dark Skies location, the staff have put many strategies in place to reduce light pollution. These types of efforts not only help humans see the stars better, they help migrating birds as well. What can you do to limit light pollution in your own backyard? Read the full article→
Read MoreStudies show you can increase motivation, learning, creativity, and flow and decrease anxiety and depression by spending time in nature.
Studies show you can increase motivation, learning, creativity, and flow and decrease anxiety and depression by spending time in nature. We knew our Friends had it going on! Watch the video→
Read MoreYet another reason to join our Friends group!
Nature Positively Impacts Our Well-Being & Caring for It Can Enhance Our Moods Too Read the Article on Leave No Trace→
Read MoreState Lawmakers Press Biden to Create National Biodiversity Strategy.
It’s always interesting to hear the US Fish & Wildlife Service leadership speak. Recently, Director Martha Williams provided testimony on the impact of the proposed FY23 USFWS budget to the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works. Watch the Video→ Did you know that the Friends of the Wichitas has a Governmental Affairs committee that…
Read MoreBronx Zoo Bison Restoration
On the Osage Nation Ranch just outside of Pawhuska, nearly 200 bison are roaming free on 3,000 acres of the tribe’s ancestral land. Osage Nation started building its herd about four years ago with bison donated from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and Colorado State University — all with a 100-percent pure American Bison bloodline,…
Read MoreAlthough not all of our Friends members are USFWS volunteers, the vast majority are.
Although not all of our Friends members are USFWS volunteers, the vast majority are. This Washington Post article gives a great overview of different ways to volunteer in the outdoors on public lands. And if you’d like to join the Friends community of volunteers, we’re definitely here for you! Just drop an e-mail to volunteer@friendsofthewichitas.org!
Read MoreThe Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge made Travel Oklahoma’s “50 Free Things to Do” article
“50 Free Things To Do in Oklahoma” “The breathtaking Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton is a haven for hikers, wildlife photographers and rock climbers. Hike or drive to the top of Mount Scott for spectacular scenery. Free-range buffalo, longhorn cattle and prairie dogs call the refuge’s 59,000+ acres home, so be sure to have your camera poised and ready.”
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