Join/Renew or Donate to the Friends of Blackwater
The Friends of Blackwater is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1987, with over 400 members that contribute volunteer labor at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) as well as fundraising and advocacy support. Among our activities are to help maintain land and paddling trails at the Refuge, staff events like the Eagle Festival, conduct free bird walks, support enhancements to the Blackwater NWR Visitor Center, raise funds, apply for grants, run the wildlife cams, host the Wild Goose Chase Women's Bicycle Ride, assist with biological surveys, offer college scholarships and internships at the Refuge, staff the information desk, and manage the Refuge gift shop. With shrinking federal budgets, groups like the Friends of Blackwater are vital in helping the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service achieve its mission.
To become a member of the Friends of Blackwater or to renew your existing membership, please select the desired membership category and click the yellow PayPal button below. You don't need an account with PayPal to use this service. Note: We do not store your credit/debit card information. Learn about becoming a member or donating.
Annual Memberships
| Individual Membership | $15.00 | |
| Family Membership | $20.00 | |
| Heron Membership | $30.00 | |
| Falcon Membership | $60.00 | |
| Eagle Membership | $100.00 | |
| Sponsor Membership | $250.00 | |
| Life Membership | $1000.00 |
Donations
Please enter a donation amount below and click the yellow PayPal button. You don't need an account with PayPal to use this service. If you wish to donate in memory/honor of someone (optional), please enter their name in the corresponding box below. Donations do not make you a member; if you wish to become a member (and receive benefits), please use the form above.
Learn about membership with the Friends of Blackwater
The Friends of Blackwater is a nonprofit citizens support group founded in 1987, assisting Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Cambridge, Maryland and the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex to carry out their educational, interpretive, and public use missions. Currently our ranks include over 400 members who have helped us become one of the preeminent voluntary conservation organizations in our area.
The Friends are run solely by volunteers, with no paid staff, and all our proceeds go towards funding programs at the Refuge. Our efforts are especially helpful at a time when shrinking government budgets offer fewer funds to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Note your membership year will start on the date you join.
Membership Benefits include:
- Email newsletter and selected publications
- Advance program announcements
- Invitation to special events
- Voting privileges at the annual meeting
- NEW! The Friends of Blackwater are excited to announce that we are now a member of the Public Lands Alliance, which has supported the nonprofit partners of America's public lands since 1977. Members of the Friends of Blackwater can now get at least 10% off in-store purchases at 500+ public land stores whose organizations are also a member of the Alliance. Visit the Public Lands Alliance website to locate stores where you can enjoy your discount by showing your Friends of Blackwater membership card.
- Discounts at local establishments (PDF, 213 KB) including:
Join the Friends of Blackwater: Use the PayPal membership form above to join or renew, or fill out our printable membership form (PDF, 84 KB) and send it via regular mail.
Learn about donating to the Friends of Blackwater
Please note: A donation will not make you a member; if you wish to receive member benefits, please choose a membership level from the PayPal membership form above. If you prefer to donate you can use the PayPal donation form above or you can use regular mail and send a donation made out to the "Friends of Blackwater" at:
Friends of Blackwater, Inc.
P.O. Box 1231
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
Additional information for supporters
- Friends' PayPal Questions and Answers (PDF, 484 KB)
- Friends' Privacy Policy
- PayPal's Privacy Policy
- Read the 2024 Friends of Blackwater Annual Report (PDF, 143 KB). Financial report is available upon request.