News

The Frank and Mae Rush Award is presented to individuals, groups or organizations in recognition of outstanding contributions to the mission of the Association of the Friends of the Wichitas — to deepen appreciation for and support of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and the extraordinary landscape, wildlife and cultural resources the refuge protects. Extended…

The Association of the Friends of the Wichitas has been named the 2026 Refuge Friends Group of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association, receiving the prestigious Molly Krival Award. The national honor recognizes the organization’s long-standing volunteer service, financial support, conservation work, and community outreach on behalf of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.…

Looking for ways to disconnect and spend more time outdoors? A recent KLAW article highlights screen-free activities available right in Lawton, from art classes at the Carnegie Library and free programming at the Lawton Public Library to walking trails at Elmer Thomas Park and the Lawton Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. For all-day adventures, the…

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge marked 125 years of conservation with a celebration reflecting on more than a century of history. Established as a national forest on July 4, 1901, the refuge gained its wildlife mission when President Theodore Roosevelt expanded its designation on June 2, 1905. The celebration highlighted the refuge’s milestones: buffalo returned…

APACHE, OK — If you were looking for a prime Texas longhorn — and there are more folks collecting the critters than you might think — Apache was the place to be on Thursday. Read the article →

An article exploring how the growing “nature bathing” trend aligns naturally with Oklahoma’s outdoor spaces, especially the Wichita Mountains. Read the article →

An oddly named trail in Charon’s Garden Wilderness will take you on an epic trek through a rugged landscape of boulders, alongside a creek bed, through a tunnel, and into the forest. The varied landscape is anything but boring as you make your way to a natural point of interest-a rock formation that resembles a…

Read the full article: 10 Sunniest Cities in Oklahoma for Peaceful Retirement Days – NewsBreak

2024 was a great year for the Friends of the Wichitas! Here’s a round up of what we accomplished in 2024 within our organization and in support of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge! 2025 is already shaping up to be another fabulous year for the Friends of the Wichitas!  We’d love to have as many…

In 2023 the Friends of the Wichitas made significant strides in support of our Partnership Agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service managing the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge including: These and many other activities were made possible through the generous donation of Friend’s time, talent, and treasure. THANK YOU! for your continued support…