Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society is the primary partner and Friends group of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (BBNWRS).
The Society was formed in 2020 as an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System. Our purpose is to promote and support the BBNWR in its mission to conserve, protect and enhance natural resources through projects, advocacy, outreach, education, fundraising, diverse membership and volunteerism for the betterment of the Refuge.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society is fully volunteer organization relying on individual donations, grants and fundraising.
Your generosity enables Refuge staff and the Society to continue their work as environmental leaders. When you donate, you’ll safeguard nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles, shelter for migratory birds, and safe habitats for endangered species that call Back Bay NW Refuge home. You’ll protect a place where families can reconnect with nature, and where weary souls can find peace amidst the hustle of daily life.
Support from donors like you will help cover the direct expenses related to critical conservation, maintenance, and environmental education projects. These include:
- Environment education for school children
- Scholarships for students pursuing environmental careers
- Adult education programs
- Seasonal events including the Bike Rides in the Refuge
- Special projects, such as maintaining; osprey nesting platforms, pollinator and monarch gardens, trails, grounds and the outdoor classroom.
The multipurpose outdoor classroom at the refuge was built by the Society. A place for environmental education and guest lectures. Over 400 fourth graders visit the refuge annually for outdoor hands-on educational experiences. As part of an educational outreach program with Virginia Beach City Public Schools title I elementary schools and the VBCPS Environmental Studies Program.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect and provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Diverse habitats, including beachfront, freshwater marsh, dunes, shrub-scrub and upland forest are home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides a buffer against development, thus reducing erosion and runoff of fertilizers and chemicals that pollute Back Bay.
MISSION
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society is the primary partner and Friends group of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (BBNWRS).
The Society was formed in 2020 as an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System. Our purpose is to promote and support the BBNWR in its mission to conserve, protect and enhance natural resources through projects, advocacy, outreach, education, fundraising, diverse membership and volunteerism for the betterment of the Refuge.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society is fully volunteer organization relying on individual donations, grants and fundraising.
Your generosity enables Refuge staff and the Society to continue their work as environmental leaders. When you donate, you’ll safeguard nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles, shelter for migratory birds, and safe habitats for endangered species that call Back Bay NW Refuge home. You’ll protect a place where families can reconnect with nature, and where weary souls can find peace amidst the hustle of daily life.
Support from donors like you will help cover the direct expenses related to critical conservation, maintenance, and environmental education projects. These include:
The multipurpose outdoor classroom at the refuge was built by the Society. A place for environmental education and guest lectures. Over 400 fourth graders visit the refuge annually for outdoor hands-on educational experiences. As part of an educational outreach program with Virginia Beach City Public Schools title I elementary schools and the VBCPS Environmental Studies Program.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect and provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl. Diverse habitats, including beachfront, freshwater marsh, dunes, shrub-scrub and upland forest are home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and fish.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides a buffer against development, thus reducing erosion and runoff of fertilizers and chemicals that pollute Back Bay.
Back Bay NWR Society
Board of Directors
Chris Freeman – President
Barry Erdeljon – Vice-President
Mark Gorny – Treasurer
Mallory Dillon – Secretary
Chris Elam
Charlie Ellin
Dianna McDowell
Julie Philips
Reese F. Lukei, Jr. – Emeritus
Piper Rogers – Chairman
Youth Advisory Committee
2024 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
Frequently requested forms
BBNWRS’s 501(c)(3)
tax receipt letter
A BBNWRS W-9 Form is available upon request
W-9 Form and Instructions