Our Mission

To deepen appreciation for and support of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and the extraordinary landscape, wildlife and cultural resources the refuge protects.

Friends of the Wichitas Logo

Friends of the Wichitas 2023 Year in Review

In 2023 the Friends of the Wichitas made significant strides in support of our Partnership Agreement with the US Fish ...
A black-capped vireo perches in a scrub oak.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Black-capped Vireo Surveys Show Continued Recovery

Read the full article on U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service here.
Photographer: Bill Shreve

Bugling Elk Tours Offered

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will be conducting "Bugling Elk" tours for the public from September 16 through October 7. ...

Looking for a little free family fun?

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and the Friends of the Wichitas have got you covered. Download and print this Family Scavenger Hunt sheet, pack a picnic lunch, and head for one of the many picnic spots in the WMWR. Maps are available at each entrance.

Connect with Us

The Visitor Center and Nature Store have reopened. Due to COVID-19, tours and organized hikes have not been rescheduled. Please stay up-to-date on our Facebook page. 

The mission of the FOW is to deepen appreciation of and support for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Our non-profit was established to support the Refuge and provide outreach opportunities to the visiting public.

All donations received by the FOW are tax deductible and support the WMWR in areas federal funds cannot be allocated.

Who are The Friends of the Wichitas?

The Friends of the Wichitas is a non-profit organization committed to promoting environmental education opportunities for the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Volunteer members conduct interpretive tours and work in the visitor center.

What Does the Association Do?

Donate funds and equipment to the refuge to enhance visitor enjoyment of the visitor center and other refuge public use programs.

Publish a monthly newsletter containing helpful hints of wildlife viewing, announcing upcoming tours, and giving visitors an in-depth look at refuge wildlife.

Provide materials and training for volunteer programs interpreters.

Provide materials and training for volunteer programs interpreters.

Get involved!

Three ways to support the FOW...

Become a Member

Become a Member!

Support FOW in providing outreach opportunities to Refuge visitors. We assist the Refuge and assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in meeting its conservation mandates.

Volunteer

Be a volunteer!

Be a tour guide, work in the visitor center, help with trail maintenance and refuge projects. Volunteers even help with the longhorn and bison sales!

Donate

Support the FOW

Help support conservation programs by donating! We are a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Shop at The Nature Store

We are located in the Visitor Center of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

The Nature Store at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Our Partners