The Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association was established in July of 1998 in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its purpose is to " promote conservation, awareness, and appreciation of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (Decatur, AL) and to provide assistance to environmental education programs and other conservation efforts on the Refuge.”

Our operations and activities are managed by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees. 

The Association is part of a network of more than 200 "Friends Groups" nationwide, each associated with one or more national wildlife refuges, all committed to improving and protecting our unique refuge resources.

Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization as defined under the laws of the state of Alabama and the United States Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)3.