Photo by Brett Breeding
The Friends of Bombay Hook is a 501(c)(3) corporation working in association with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Bombay Hook NWR. It provides volunteer services and financial assistance to the refuge. Serving as a link between the refuge and the public, it fosters a better understanding and appreciation of Bombay Hook.
FOBH operates the Refuge Store, which is located in the Visitor's Center at the refuge. The store sells logoed apparel such as hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts; field guides and nature books; collectibles and gift items; and hand-painted Christmas ornaments. Profits from the store fund educational and recreational programs at the refuge.
The Friends group sponsors refuge activities including the annual spring and fall festivals; field trips, art exhibits and lectures; and the annual volunteer recognition dinner, hosted by the refuge staff. Many Friends' members volunteer their time and talents at the refuge each year. They assist refuge staff with event planning, publish the quarterly newsletter, maintain the FOBH web site, staff the Visitor's Center on spring and fall weekends, help out at the festivals, lead bird walks, conduct refuge tours and many other services.
The Friends of Bombay Hook has established a charitable trust fund for Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Created by Fred Dawson of Bassett, Brosius and Dawson Inc., the fund will accept charitable donations of securities such as common stock. Because a charity such of Friends of Bombay Hook is tax-exempt, a donation made to the fund is not taxed on its appreciation and the donor receives an income tax deduction for the contribution. Further, the asset itself and all future appreciation are removed from the taxable estate of the donor. Read more about the fund in the July 2004 Friends newsletter.
Become a member of Friends! We offer membership plans for individuals, families and corporations. Your membership dues are used to pay for educational and recreational programs at Bombay Hook NWR. Click here to learn more about becoming a member.