Our mission is to promote conservation, awareness and appreciation of the Ohio River Island by engaging volunteers, increasing resources, educating and involving the community. The Friends of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge is an independent, non-profit organization that encourages participation and support of the refuge.
WELCOME
Established in 1990, the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge was created to protect, conserve, and restore habitat for wildlife native to the river’s floodplain. Spanning 362 miles along the upper Ohio River, the refuge consists of twenty-four islands and four mainland tracts across West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky.
The long, tangled roots of a Silver Maple cling to the bank of Phyllis Island, PA — part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Michael Schramm/USFWS
Today, the refuge’s 3,440 acres of land and underwater habitats are recovering- gradually returning to forested conditions after years of farming and extraction. It remains a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and endangered freshwater mussels. The refuge works tirelessly to protect the delicate ecosystems located within one of the nation’s busiest inland waterways.
Follow us on
Recent Articles:
Images from the Ohio River Islands NWR
The Ohio River’s currents carry not only water but also the stories of generations, connecting communities and leaving a legacy of resilience and shared history
- Make a difference for local wildlife
- Gain hands-on conservation skills
- Immerse yourself in nature
