Refuges across the country are suffering from chronic underfunding. Due to this underfunding, staff positions are being cut, law enforcement is expected to cover thousands of acres (and in the worst-case scenario, a full state), refuges are being complexed, and important programs are being dropped.

A lot has been happening at Buenos Aires NWR since our last newsletter of September 2021. The Friends are actively pursuing projects both indoors and outdoors, particularly in response to habitat improvement and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Volunteer groups, along with Federal and State agencies, have begun barbed wire fence removal in the Avra Valley

This was a busy year for the Friends. The Refuge is operating with only 50% of their staff, which greatly impacts the ability of the Refuge to fulfill their mission of wildlife conservation, habitat preservation, and visitor services. As a result, the role of the Friends is increasingly critical in this time of staff and funding shortfalls. The Friends have stepped in with finances and volunteer labor to initiate or continue projects so important for the welfare of wildlife and their habitat. Another hurdle this year was Covid-19, which resulted in the Visitor Center being closed all year. Many staff […]

From our friends at the Tucson Audubon Society

September 2021 There is much happening on the refuge… Take look at our September Newsletter

by Janine Higgins Dear Friends, Walt Anderson writes an eloquent tribute to Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge in “A Sense of Place.”  We’ll begin today’s Notes with the first scene in the essay. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!  – – – – – – – – – – – – –  Among Friends 5 May 2021. Spring is Galloping toward Summer, by Walt Anderson “To truly develop a sense of place, you need to listen to the conversations going on out there. You can learn to read between the lines, to marvel at the very existence […]