The Tamarac Interpretive Association (TIA) was formed in 1992 with the support of the refuge manager and a park ranger. Initially, the bookstore was managed by an external organization, but TIA took over with a startup loan, purchasing a cash register and merchandise. By 1993, TIA had 17 members and received 501c3 status in June. 

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TIA sponsored various educational activities, including workshops and providing books to local schools. Membership grew steadily, and by 1994, TIA co-hosted events like International Migratory Bird Day. The organization saw significant growth in membership and volunteer contributions, with notable events such as the fall open house attracting hundreds of visitors. 

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In 1998, the Blackbird Auto tour opened, and TIA successfully passed its 5-year nonprofit trial period. The early 2000s saw further expansion, with new board members and projects like remodeling the craft area and constructing an observation platform. TIA also sponsored a logo design contest and received a capacity-building grant. 

 

By 2005, TIA had 150 members and continued to host successful events and projects, including the construction of a new deck and the launch of a website. The organization celebrated its achievements with volunteer picnics and open houses, showcasing its growth and community impact. 

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2006-2019 Highlights

The Friends of Tamarac, formerly the Tamarac Interpretive Association, has supported the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge through various initiatives. Throughout these years, the organization has grown its membership, enhanced educational programs, and continued to support conservation efforts through volunteer work, community engagement, and fundraising. Key activities include:

• 2006:

  • Funded the bird festival,

  • Built an observation deck

  • Launched a website.

• 2007:

  • Secured a technology grant,

  • Set up an office

  • Hosted multiple events including a photo contest and fall open house.

• 2008:

  • Built the Balsam Lake observation deck

  • Implemented a bar code system,

  • Held a successful Fall Festival.

• 2009:

  • Partnered on grants for water quality and native plant surveys,

  • Began discussions on an education building.

• 2010:

  • Installed a beaver cam

  • Funded school bus trips

  • Hosted pancake breakfast fundraisers.

• 2011:

  • Officially changed names to be known as Friends of Tamarac!

  • Launched a Capital Campaign for a Discovery Center,

  • Hosted the inaugural Toast to Tamarac fundraiser

  • Installed Wi-Fi in the Visitor Center.

• 2012:

  • The Visitor Center closed for over a year for retrofit.

  • The 2nd Annual Toast to Tamarac and We-Fest clean-up were successful fund-raisers.

  • For more than 30 days, 1400 students participated in education programs, and over 9000 volunteer hours were logged

• 2013:

  • A fund-raising campaign for the Discovery Center begins.

  • Toast to Tamarac and We-Fest clean-up continue to be excellent fundraisers for the organization.

  • Added 15,000 pine trees on the refuge as part of the Tamarac Restoration Grant!

  • Celebrated the opening of the North Country Trail and the 75th anniversary of the refuge.

• 2014:

  • Quilt raffle, We-Fest volunteering, and Toast event held to raise money.

  • Arvig donated a new Wi-Fi system. 

  • Discovery Center opened!​

• 2015: 

  • Completed the formal donation of the Discovery Center (1,986 sq. ft building with outdoor amphitheater) to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A Dedication and Open House events were held in June.

  • The fall festival event "Bees and Butterflies" had about 425 in attendance.  

  • 5th Annual "Toast to Tamarac" fundraising event which included wine tasting, appetizers, games, and a silent auction with over 200 in attendance.

  • Participated in two online giving programs: Give to the Max in November and Giving Hearts in February.

  • Additional funds were raised through the WE Fest music event site and campground clean-up. A successful quilt raffle was held.  

  • The process was initiated to set up an endowment fund for future sustainable income.

  • Through a Conservation Partners Legacy Grant, 16,000 pine trees were planted on the refuge.​ Webpage and Facebook representation were expanded to increase connections with the public.

  • Co-sponsored the 2015 Detroit Lakes Festival of Birds and a luncheon was served for the Tamarac tour

• ​2016​

  • Friends of Tamarac were honored by the National Wildlife and Refuge Association with the Molly Krival Friends Group of the Year Award for exemplary performance.

  • The Friends and Tamarac Refuge received the Tourism of the Year award from the Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce for the active promotion of visitor opportunities.

  • A joint grant was applied for related to restoring 150 wetlands on tribal and other lands.

  • Presented with a plaque of appreciation by the Trempealeau National Refuge Friends group from Wisconsin for our help and support in their development of an education facility.

  • We hosted 170 hikers from 17 states who were attending the regional North Country Trail conference which was held in Fargo. Hikers participated in a variety of hikes ranging in length from a short photo hike to a 13.5-mile hike crossing the full refuge NCT system.

  • The Aquatic Invasive Species team of eight inspected 138 boats and 288 fishermen on 9 Saturday mornings to educate and prevent the spread of AlS.

  • A mentoring program was begun with Concordia college students to train educators for visiting school groups and the EE committee created a Tamarac Journal for use by visiting school groups.

• 2017

  • The Aquatic Invasive Species team of 9 inspected 138 boats and trailers while striving to better educate 288 fishermen on the dangers of spreading AIS.

  • Friends assisted staff with water quality monitoring on refuge lakes.

  • Assisted staff with completing a variety of wildlife surveys including loon, tern, and grebe surveys as well as drumming grouse counts.

  • The Discovery Center continues to grow in its use for outdoor educational experiences, volunteer training and conservation meetings. The Friends generated funding to continue to reach the goal of eliminating the Discovery Center loan.

• 2018

  • Hiring an office manager.

  • Very preliminary information gathering for a handicap-accessible upgrade to hiking trails around the Discovery Center.

  • Created a mission statement for the Environmental Education Committee.

• 2019

  • "Soaring" memorial sculpture added 

  • Expanded EE program by piloting 5th-grade activities and Detroit Lakes 9th-grade Academy activities.

  • ​Sought grants and community support for a handicap-accessible upgrade to hiking trails around the Discovery Center. Contracted engineering services for same.

  • Successful Wild Wednesday activities, organized and managed solely by volunteers, showed a 14% increase in attendance.

  • Friends of Tamarac membership at 155.​