Friends honored for commitment to refuge

Anahuac— For at least 30 years, each year, the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge honors the Friends of Anahuac Refuge, a group of volunteers who help bring awareness to wildlife conservation and who help volunteer at the refuge locations.

"This is your day," ANWR Manager Kristin Fritz-Grammond said, addressing the frequent volunteers. "This is all about celebrating your accomplishments, the hard work you do and the support that you provide for the refuge."

Through the volunteer program, 168 volunteers contributed over 8,012 hours, the equivalent of over four extra employees.

Park Ranger Stephanie Martinez introduced the volunteers.

John Berner completed 50 hours of service, and Tisha Miller, Kenny Miller, Fantasia "Fanny" Verma and Jan Hanson completed 100 hours.

Sondra Zacot completed 250 hours of service and Jennifer Pinion completed 500 hours.

The Pinion family is no stranger to the refuge.

Pinion's eldest daughter, Arial, and her mother, Betty, each completed 1,000 hours of service, and Pinion's youngest daughter, Alena, completed 1,500 hours of service.

David Hanson completed 1,500 hours of service, and Gene Campbell completed 2,500.

"You are a conservation superstar," Martinez said, addressing Campbell. "We're very lucky to have you. He's been helping out since before 2000."

Aside from volunteering, Campbell founded the Oyster Bayou Hunting Club in 1975. The club provides guided waterfowl hunts on the Gulf Coast.

Martinez acknowledged those who have helped the refuge for over 25 years. Those men are David Sarkozi, a founding member of FOAR, and Campbell.

Each volunteer received refuge merchandise, ranging in value depending on hours of service completed. Prizes ranged from a hat and a camping light to sweatshirts and a foldable chair.

Before honoring the volunteers, Fritz-Grammond provided updates on the refuge itself, including recent and future projects.

Through on-site and off-site environmental education, over 1,700 people were served, and for interpretation, over 9,000 people were served.

"You're carrying the torch for us and sharing our story," Fritz-Grammond said, addressing volunteers.

Prescribed burns covered about 5,000 acres, and a dolphin and her calf were safely relocated after being stuck in a refuge area.

The maintenance team has worked on orphan wells at the refuge. Phase one is complete, and they are moving into phase two. Road construction at the refuge is ongoing.

Fishing piers at the kayak launch at the Skillern Tract were redone. The boardwalks were cleaned and stained by refuge staff.

Due to the tornado in December, powerlines were down, there was damage to the RV, and a couple of volunteers were stuck in the refuge for over 48 hours. Volunteers and staff came out to help clean up after the tornado.

"Out of the mess that happened, there was a lot of beauty," Fritz-Grammond said.

Upcoming projects include tree planting at Skillern Rookery, game camera installation, native prairie seeding, burrowing owl habitat, Wetlands on Wheels Trailer, an educational opportunity, and much more.

At the wildlife refuge, visitors can see alligators, snakes, turtles, songbirds, rabbits and more during the spring. During the summer, wildflowers, wood storks, dragonflies and more can be found.

In the fall, butterflies, alligators, wildflowers and more can be seen. Visitors can find hawks, a variety of ducks, eagles, otters, coyotes and more during the winter.

There are many walkable paths, including beautiful boardwalks, and plenty of photo and birdwatching opportunities.

If interested in visiting the refuge, the visitor's center is at 4017 FM 563, Anahuac. For questions, call 409-267-3337.