Newsletter

Environmental Education Programs in ArivacaThe Friends of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (BANWR) sponsored four environmental education programs this winter in the town of Arivaca. The first one, with 64 people in attendance at the Gathering Space was a presentation on venomous snakes by Ed Cardwell. The rest of the programs were held at the Dance Hall in Arivaca. On December 10th, Sky Island Alliance told 38 people about the importance of our sky islands and the animals that live there, especially along the US-Mexico border and the impact of the border wall on the wildlife. On January 20, biologist […]

NEWS from the Friends of Buenos AiresNational Wildlife Refuge Wilderness Volunteers Returning to the Refuge Wilderness Volunteers will arrive in November for four days working with the Altar Valley Conservation Alliance. They will help build erosion control structures that slow water runoff, hold soil and water on the landscape and encourage vegetation growth to stabilize even more soil. The mission of Wilderness Volunteers, a nonprofit organization, is to engage people in meaningful service that conserves and protects America’s wild places. Fall Natural History Programs Come join us for three natural history presentations that will be held this fall in Arivaca […]

NEWS from the Friends of Buenos AiresNational Wildlife Refuge Christmas Bird Count at the Refuge For the 25th year, volunteers fanned out across Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count sponsored by the National Audubon Society. Overall numbers were low this year, probably because of dry conditions and several dry tanks. There were a number of good birds recorded, however, including golden eagle, American pipit, Woodhouse’s scrub jay, and Hutton’s vireo. A total of 76 species were counted for the official tally. All the Way to the Border Fourteen dedicated volunteers helped remove litter […]

The Friends provide much-needed assistance to the Refuge in respect to funding, environmental education, and physical work for habitat and wildlife projects. The Refuge has been deeply hampered by staff and funding shortages, and in light of this shortfall, the Friends fill an important role. The Friends step in when they can with finances and volunteer labor to initiate or continue projects so important for the welfare of wildlife and their habitat. Refuge Manager Rich Albers arrived in September and the refuge also has a new Maintenance Mechanic Lead, Devin Williams. Hannah Pierce, Wildlife Refuge Specialist, continues to wear a […]

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.

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 […]

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