Founded in 1993, the Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (the Friends) is a community-based nonprofit organization. Unlike most refuges, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge was established due to the vision and hard work of a group of local citizens who saw the value of having a National Wildlife Refuge in the midst of a rapidly growing urban area. These founders worked with local political leaders to gain approval for and the establishment of the Refuge. 

The founding members of Friends of the Refuge were: Drs. Geoffrey E. Beasley & James H. Samson, Sherwood citizens; Lavern M. & Kathy Cary, Sherwood citizens; Walter Hitchock, Sherwood Mayor;  Rick A. Hohnbaum, former Sherwood Mayor; Spencer M. Krueger & Mary C. Lefevre, Sherwood citizens; Clyde List, Former Sherwood Mayor; John McGinity, science teacher; Norma J. Oyler, former Sherwood Mayor; Mike Leichner, owner, Pride Disposal Company; James H. Rapp, Sherwood City Manager; and Marjorie J. Stewart, former Sherwood Mayor.