Who Are the Friends of the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area?
Our Friends group supports conservation of the NBWA’s pine/oak barrens habitat which is a remnant of those in the far larger Northwest Sands ecosystem. This habitat is globally rare and imperiled. Friends’ support includes influencing local and state government decisions, providing funds for DNR conservation plans, and supporting volunteer and educational activities related to NWBA conservation.
We work to provide opportunities to view spring sharp-tailed grouse dancing from enclosed blinds, lead Natural Resource Foundation field trips for spring birding and for hiking the South Unit bog, raise funds for DNR land expansion initiatives, support the DNR management of regional timber harvests to benefit sharp-tailed grouse expansion, assist local public and private school field trips, enable fall bird dog field trials and lead summer nature walks.
The Friends group sponsors several hikes each summer to find wildflowers, study botany, watch birds, pick blueberries, and explain bird-dog trials. Watch our event calendar for dates. We also welcome volunteer help with spring and fall road clean-up days, cabin maintenance, building projects, photography, education and outreach. We are happy to help make the Barrens accessible to groups for outdoor activities.
Our group is entirely supported by volunteers and guided by a volunteer Board. Our Board meets 3 to 4 times each year to plan activities. We publish a newsletter usually twice each year. Contact us through our website if you would like more details on our organization and activities.