HISTORY
The Friends movement had its inception as an outgrowth of FWS efforts to develop more public support for the Refuge system. Locally, members of Atlantic Audubon Society were asked to help start up a group to encourage wider community support for the Forsythe Refuge. Led by Ed Bristow of Atlantic Audubon, Joe DeMartini of Ducks Unlimited and local eco-tourism proponent Joel Fogel, initial steps were taken to form, incorporate and establish non-profit status under IRS guidelines in 1997. In 1998, a start-up grant was obtained from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, along with a grant from Atlantic Audubon to fund a small store operation at the refuge under a Memorandum of Agreement between the Forsythe Refuge and the Friends of Forsythe. Store operation began on weekends in the spring of 1999 with minimal sale items, but with the ability to sell annual passes, provide information and maintain visitor services on weekends in the spring and fall.
The first annual meeting was held in April of 2000 at the Galloway Township library with few members in attendance. Annual meeting in April of 2001 was held at the Showbarn in Historic Smithville with two featured speakers following the business meeting. Additional members of the Board of directors were added over the first two years and now numbers nine. Committees are now being formed to strengthen activities. Continued growth of numbers and strength is anticipated.
REFUGE SUPPORT
Opening of sales outlet on weekends in spring and fall provided increased service to visitors through information, sale of annual passes and maintaining supplies in brochure racks, monitoring fee boxes, providing change and maintaining clean rest rooms, in addition to sales.
Funds raised through store operations provided refreshments for 1999 Refuge Day, funding for coloring books illustrating puppet show "At the Refuge", maps of tour route with overlying grid and now producing for the Refuge System Centennial, a small version of T.R. Bear in conjunction with the Chincoteague Natural History Association.
Members have provided educational services through work with school groups visiting the refuge as well as guides for private tour groups. We have begun working with the Greater Atlantic City Regional Tourism Council to publicize non-casino attractions, particularly eco-tours. Photo contests have been started with support from local companies, and a photography club has just started up. Several programs have been given to local organizations to make them aware of the refuge and its avaiable activities. Another group is developing a wildflower garden outside the administration building.
Future activities will include working on bringing a new visitor center to the refuge to further enhance educational opportunities for the public as well as professionals.
President: Ed Jones
Vice President: Tom Tuohy
Secretary: Julie Baker
Treasurer: Kathleen Vandermark
Directors:
Edgar C. Bristow, M.D.
Kris Arcuri
Betsy Griffith
Rosalind (Ros) Herlands
Dan Hernandez
JoAnn McEnerney
Dave Rhodes
Linda Atkins
Sue Canale
Tom Graff
Dennis Loughlin
Ex Officio:
Friends Liaison: Sandy Perchetti
Refuge Management: Brian Braudis
