Citizen leaders in the Lower Minnesota River Valley were instrumental in helping establish the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in 1976. The activities of this core group led to the founding of Friends of the Minnesota Valley six years later. The Friends of the Minnesota Valley is the primary private support group for the Refuge and the Lower Minnesota River Watershed.
Mission: Conserving the Resources of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed
Friends of the Minnesota Valley works to protect and enhance the natural resources of the Lower Minnesota River Watershed, including the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Vision: A Healthy, Sustainable Minnesota River Valley
Friends of the Minnesota Valley envisions a healthy Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota River, and surrounding lands and waters. The Friends envision a core Refuge and River constituency of citizens, elected officials and landowners who are educated on the importance of the River and the Refuge. We envision partnerships that promote habitat conservation, improved water quality of the Minnesota River and its Watershed, and sustainable land use.
Building on a strong tradition of citizens dedicated to the principles of individual responsibility for stewardship of our natural resources, The Friends' Leadership in StewardshipTMcampaign focuses on working with a variety of stakeholders to find common ground and develop innovative conservation strategies on issues affecting the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Minnesota River Watershed.
River constituency of citizens, elected officials and landowners who are educated on the importance of the River and the Refuge. We envision partnerships that promote habitat conservation, improved water quality of the Minnesota River and its Watershed, and sustainable land use. 
