Join the FOTRR
Welcome to Friends of Trinity River Refuge (FOTRR)! Learn about our mission to support the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge and connect the public with nature. Join us as we protect and preserve this vital ecosystem. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.
Our commitment
We are the liaison between the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge and you. Explore the refuge's wonders, and learn how you can contribute to its preservation.
Our Mission Statement
To support, expand, promote, and enhance the refuge and its use for recreational, educational, and scientific research purposes. To accomplish this mission the Friends will:
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Serve in a cooperative partnership with refuge management to provide funds, volunteer labor, and in-kind resources as required to meet the needs and goals of the refuge.
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Promote public awareness of and participation in conservation goals and activities on the refuge through educational, scientific, civic, and charitable activities.
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Provide assistance to refuge personnel on projects to develop and improve the refuge's visitor programs and public use facilities.
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Serve as an advocate for the acquisition of wetlands and associated habitats within the Lower Trinity River Floodplain.
Explore the Friends of Trinity River Refuge
Events & Activities
Discover upcoming events and activities at the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge.
Who we are
In July of 2000, a group of volunteers at Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge created the Friends of Trinity River Refuge. We are committed to preserving and enhancing the refuge through conservation, research, and education. Our group, which has received nonprofit 501(c)3 status, serves as the liaison between the refuge and the public. Our membership represents the diverse users of the refuge and interested public which includes hunters, anglers, birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, farmers, and ranchers. We have contributed time, money, and material to support and complete projects on the refuge. Future projects include hiking trails, new interpretive signs, new accessible fishing pier, habitat management including exotic control, and assisting with wildlife surveys and studies.
Sharing the beauty
Explore the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge through captivating visuals and stories. Discover the wonders of nature and our commitment to its preservation.
FOTRR at NatureFest,
Jesse Jones Park
March 5, 2025
We had a great time at the NatureFest- our booth was a success! Nancy Brown brought an assistant in an Attwater’s Prairie Chicken costume – they took the stage and led the kids in a booming dance. Our wingspan activity and bird quiz were well received.
The following volunteers were at the fest FOTRR - Bannie Cockerham, Gary Holmes, David Knutson, TMN- Andrew Sander, Elizabeth Sander, Shana BaumanUSFWS- Nancy Brown & BOOMER (not sure of the person’s name).
On October 12, 2024 people from all across the country celebrated our system of National Wildlife Refuges by attending an event called “Walk for the Wild.” Many participated by taking a 5K hike, but we decided to do our outing (actually a little over 7K) in boats at the Champion Lake Unit of the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, which is located near the community of Old River-Winfree, TX.
Lower Trinity Valley Bird Club Big
at Champion Lake
The Big Sit! is a free, annual, international birding event open to anyone, anywhere in the world. All individuals or groups are eligible to participate; just follow The Big Sit! rules and submit your results. The Big Sit! can be as competitive or non-competitive as you would like, but it is meant to be fun. Some people have called it “a tailgate party for birders.”
The Big Sit! takes place on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Contact us
You're Invited!
Friends of Trinity River Refuge Annual Meeting & Reception
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Time: 3:00 -5:00pm
Location: First Baptist Church of Liberty
602 Main St, Liberty, TX 77575
Please use email above to RSVP with the number in your party!
Join us for our annual Friends of Trinity River Refuge (FOTRR) membership meeting! Enjoy an engaging and informative presentation by Refuge Biologist Laurie Gonzales, followed by a lively reception.
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Trinity River NWR, connect with Refuge staff, and meet fellow FOTRR members.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Everyone is welcome to attend. We will meet at 6:30 PM at the refuge office.
Trinity River Refuge Headquarters Office
601 FM 1011 Liberty, TX
at 6:30 PM.
website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/trinity-river/visit-us/trails
Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)
Get Involved
Volunteers and Board Members are needed periodically to help with various refuge tasks, including maintenance projects, tree planting, refuge trash clean-up, etc.
Board of Directors Meetings: 2026
March 10
May 12
July 14
September 8
November 10
January 12, 2027
Location
Friends of Trinity River Refuge
601 Fm 1011
Liberty, TX 77575
Friends of the Trinity River Refuge
P.O. Box 12, Liberty, Texas 77575