The Friends of Crab Orchard Refuge is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the natural environment of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge by working with the Refuge staff to support its mission. In the past year the Friends organization hosted several educational programs supported Earth Day activities provided eagle tours winter coordinated photography activities and opportunities managed pollinator gardens assisted with interpretation for students and other groups that visited the Refuge and monitored Blue Bird nesting boxes.