Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Award

The Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge received the "2018 Organizational Excellence Award" from the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area Awards! The award "recognizes an organization or local government entity that demonstrates sustained achievement in contributing to heritage preservation, promotion, interpretation or tourism efforts." The nomination noted that the Friends of Blackwater have actively participated in preservation efforts, promoted resource stewardship, encouraged advocacy by establishing numerous educational initiatives, funded Refuge infrastructure and interpretive exhibit projects, and supported Refuge-sponsored events.

Friends President Rick Abend, Blackwater NWR Visitor Services Manager Ray Paterra, Friends Board Member Harry Heckathorn, and Melissa Kelly, representing U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
Friends President Rick Abend, Blackwater NWR Visitor Services Manager Ray Paterra, Friends Board Member Harry Heckathorn, and Melissa Kelly, representing U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area Organizational Excellence Award