Our Mission & Partnership.

Friends of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit corporation dedicated to supporting the primary purposes for which the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge was established.

Our Mission

We are dedicated to supporting the primary purposes for which the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge was established — promoting the preservation of the natural and historical resources of the Refuge; fostering its use and enjoyment by the public consistent with the protection and preservation of its environment; and engaging in educational, scientific, and civic activities that assist refuge management in carrying out its mandates.

Our Partnership With the Refuge

Friends of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge, working collaboratively to support programs, enhance visitor experiences, and strengthen conservation efforts.

Where Conservation and Community Meet

Friends of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge was formed to strengthen that mission. As the refuge's official nonprofit partner, our Friends Group works hand-in-hand with refuge staff to support programs, enhance visitor experiences, and expand opportunities for education and engagement. Volunteers greet visitors at the Visitor Center, assist with events, help maintain trails and facilities, and contribute to conservation projects that directly benefit wildlife.

Through memberships, donations, and community partnerships, the Friends Group provides critical funding for refuge priorities — including environmental education, public programs, and the refuge ranger position that connects thousands of people each year with the natural world.

Sharing the Refuge With the Public

Friends of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge believes that conservation is strongest when people feel connected to the places they help protect. That's why the Friends Group supports programs that bring the refuge to life: guided hikes, school field trips, wildlife festivals, Earth Camp, photography events, and hands-on learning opportunities for all ages.

Whether someone is visiting for the first time or has been coming for decades, the Friends Group wants every experience to inspire curiosity, appreciation, and stewardship.

A Legacy Worth Protecting

The Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is a treasure — a place where wildlife thrives, where families explore, and where the rhythms of nature continue much as they have for generations. By supporting the refuge, you help ensure that this landscape remains protected, accessible, and vibrant long into the future.

Whether you choose to volunteer, become a member, or support our work directly, your involvement makes a meaningful difference. Together, we can conserve habitats, protect wildlife, and inspire a lifelong commitment to conservation.

Volunteer Opportunities

Your time, talents, and support help protect this special place.

The Friends of Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is a volunteer-driven nonprofit supporting the refuge through stewardship, education, outreach, and community engagement. Volunteer opportunities vary seasonally, are coordinated based on refuge needs and may include:

Learn More

Learn more about Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge on the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website.