Friends of KNWR honor Seger

BONNERS FERRY — On Oct. 24, the Friends of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR) held a “Meet and Greet” at Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill. The Meet and Greet was intended as a way to bring together current members and to generate new membership.

The event showcased an ongoing slideshow featuring 429 photos supplied by local photographers. These images displayed the beauty of the refuge and its wildlife, and also programs that have been put on by the Friends group.

Hors d’oeuvres were served and tables were set up for people to sit and get acquainted with one another, with the option of enjoying a drink from the bar. They also gave away door prizes to those who attended. With the exception of two coloring books that the refuge donated, the Friends group donated all of the items.

“We have a great, active group, but we always need new blood, new ideas, and new volunteer groups,” said Friends of KNWR treasurer, Jan Rose.

During the meet and greet, Friends of KNWR board member Chuck Giordano revealed a print of a photograph that was done by photographer Al Seger, who passed away in 2018. Seger spent much time photographing in the refuge and was a member of the Friends group.

The print of a Great Blue Heron standing on ice — feathers fluffed up from the cold — will be hung in the Education Barn at the refuge.

“The board decided this year that we would put up one of his prints … as a tribute to Al,” said Giordano. “If I had a brother in real life … I would have liked this man to be my brother. He was a fabulous photographer.”

Stories and memories about Seger were then shared.

The auto tour road through the refuge has been closed for repairs, but finally opened again on Oct. 21, which was a topic of conversation during the meet and greet. Fans of the refuge had been eagerly awaiting the moment that the road would open, and photographers Steve Jamsa and Don Bartling relayed their experience of the day — Jamsa beat Bartling by about 30 seconds to be the first on the tour road.

From old friends to new faces, there was no lack of conversation with a mutual admiration of the Kootenai National Wildlife refuge.

“I think it has been a good gathering of people — a lot of old faces and some new faces — which is always encouraging. We always want to see more new faces,” said Friends of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Vice President, Annie Pflueger. “Our goal is to always be forever growing and keeping the refuge alive.”

For more information: www.friendsofkootenai nationalwildliferefuge.org