The Friends of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge hosting holiday open house

WOOD COUNTY--The Friends of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge are hosting a free Holiday Open House on Friday, Dec. 6 from 9:00-2:45.
Inside the visitor center there will be crafts for adults and children. Santa will be on the scene from 10:00 - 2:00, ready to share holiday cheer and to have his photo taken with young and old alike.
Visitors can enjoy watching birds and other critters from the fireplace room while sipping hot beverages and sampling baked goods and other treats. Or come inside for a warm beverage after hiking one of the refuge trails.
Everything in the Karner Korner Nature Store is on sale for 20% off. There are many, many new items for all ages. Volunteers will wrap gifts, purchased at the sale, for free. Friends are also hosting a bake sale that day.
An array of nature art is already on display in the Visitor Center’s front lobby and available through silent auction bidding. On Dec. 6 there will also be several holiday themed silent auction baskets.

Carol Kramer is the “artist of the month” for Dec. Her nature related quilted hangings don the walls in the fireplace room and are available for purchase.
There are several ways to give a “gift-that-keeps-giving” through the Friends Group. The Adopt-a-crane program has three donation levels and rewards to honor the donation. Each level receives a framable certificate, and one year’s membership in the Friends of Necedah NWR. $100 donors also receive a plush baby crane, referred to as a colt. $200 givers receive a parent crane and colt. $300 donors receive a family of two adults and one colt.
If you visited the Visitor Center lately, you’ve probably seen the beautiful tree painted on the wall leading to the patio. The “Giving Tree” was done by Jay Jocham, a nationally known artist and proud member of the Friends. That “Giving Tree” symbolizes the gateway to the refuge and the many adventures that await you. Many folks have given the tree life by placing leaves on it with their personal messages. The messages commemorate their visit, honor a friend or relative who passed, celebrate a special person, or provide a conservation message.
There are three levels of giving for the leaves as well: Gold – $500.00 or more; Silver – $250.00; and Copper – $100.00. Each Leaf is personalized with your message and the year of your donation.
Gift memberships to the Friends are also an option. Memberships for senior citizens costs $15; individual memberships are $25 and family memberships cost $40. Members receive a minimum of six on-line newsletters, invitations to special “Friends-only” events and 10% off all purchases at the Karner Korner Nature Store.
Every penny earned from sales goes to educational events, support for wildlife, scholarships or other refuge projects. Memberships and Giving Tree leaves can be ordered on the Friends website for people unable to attend the Dec. 6 event. friendsofnnwr.org