BONNERS FERRY — The Friends of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR) held a “Meet and Greet” at Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill on the evening of April 27. The event showcased an ongoing slideshow featuring photos supplied by local photographers, including Steve Jamsa, Annie Pflueger, Nancy Russell and Al Seger. Hors d’oeuvres were served and tables were set up for people to sit and get acquainted with one another, with the option of enjoying a drink from the bar.

The Meet and Greet was intended as a way to meet current members and generate new membership.

“A way to mix and mingle,” said Friends of KNWR treasurer, Jan Rose. “We had a good turnout it seems, especially not knowing what to expect.”

The Meet and Greet was held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and the banquet room at Mugsy’s was filled with people, including both Friends of KNWR members and fans of the Wildlife Refuge.

The Friends of KNWR was formed in August 2005 and they have close to 200 members, some of which are visitors from other countries. They are a 501-C3 Non-Profit organization that relies on tax deductible donations. The intention of the group is to support KNWR in its efforts to protect, manage and conserve wildlife through education and conservation.

Friends of the KNWR are involved in several education programs. They host Bird Walks on the third Saturday of select months. The next Bird Walk will be May 20 at 9 a.m. On June 10, they will host a Photographer’s Day at the Refuge from 9:00 a.m. to noon. This will be a chance to get tips from professional photographers on getting the most from your nature shots. The suggested donation for this program is $10.

People interested in the Friends of the KNWR may become a member for a one time fee of $10. Several new members joined during the Meet and Greet and others took the sign-up information with them. Becoming a member is a way for people to donate to the Wildlife Refuge through the Friends of KNWR group.

The Friends of KNWR rely on volunteers to support the Wildlife Refuge in its endeavours. Volunteers may participate in a variety of helpful activities such as: clean duck boxes, build bat and bluebird houses, maintain the wildlife garden, and the planting of native plants.

Annie Pflueger, Friends of KNWR board member, said this, “The Refuge is ever changing. I can go around the loop two or three times and see something different every time. And the lighting out there, particularly in the morning, is so special. It’s an ever changing palette… it’s addicting.”

For more information: www.friendsofkootenainationalwildliferefuge.org