Friends of the Crystal River

National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Inc.

Welcome to the Friends of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Inc.

The Friends is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, organized in 1998 to support the mission of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge located in Crystal River Florida. Donations are tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor for further guidance. The Crystal River Refuge is part of a Refuge Complex that extends from St. Marks Wildlife Refuge 25 miles south of Tallahassee to Passage Key off the coast of St. Petersburg, FL. We are an all-volunteer organization.

Crystal River, Florida is the wintering home to the endangered West Indian Manatee. When the temperature in the gulf drops below 70 degrees, manatees travel to the warmer waters of the sanctuaries of Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs. All of Kings Bay has been designated a year-round permanent manatee refuge by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. For more information on manatees visit www.fws.gov/crystalriver.

Our Vision

The Friends will be a dynamic organization of engaged members capable of supporting the needs of the CRNWRC by

  • Advocating to Protect Manatees and Other Wildlife in their natural environment
  • Provide Memorable Experiences
  • Enhance awareness of and connection to Nature
  • Engage the public through:
    • Experiences in the uplands, waters, and marshes of the refuge
    • Environmental Education for children and adults
    • Enriching nature activities within the refuges
  • Rewarding Volunteer opportunities

Our Mission

  • Conserving, protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the
    continuing benefit of the American people;
  • Supporting the stewardship of the National Wildlife Refuge System;
  • Promoting a better awareness, appreciation, conservation and responsible
    utilization of the Refuge Complex;
  • Preserving the natural and historical resources of the Refuges; fostering their use
    and enjoyment by the public consistent with the protection and preservation of
    the environment, and engage in such educational, scientific and civic activities to
    assist the Refuges.

The Friends is a Charitable Trust registered with the State of Florida. Information can be obtained by contacting Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Gift Giver’s Guide.