The Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is a National Wildlife Refuge that was established in 1928 by an act of Congress. The refuge protects the lower part of the Bear River and its wetlands delta within the northeastern part of the south arm of the Great Salt Lake. The Refuge is an 80,000 acre mosaic of open water, mud flats, wetlands, and uplands, and hosts millions of migratory waterfowl each year. It is managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service as part of a hemispheric network of protected sites that have been purchased from willing sellers. The flooding of the refuge during the high water period of the mid-1980s provides a central scene for Terry Tempest Williams’ acclaimed Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place. In 2005 a new wildlife education center was opened to provide more opportunities to (human) visitors to learn about the Reuge and the critical role it plays in protecting migratory bird habitat.

Lynn de Freitas was born and raised in New Jersey. She is an avid birder and environmental activist who focuses on the ecosystem of Great Salt Lake. Currently, she is the Executive Director of Friends of Great Salt Lake, a non-profit organization that works to preserve and protect the GSL ecosystem, as well as educate and create public awareness about issues concerning the Lake. Lynn began her involvement with Friends in 1994, and in 1996, she was promoted to President of the Board of Directors. Lynn also serves as a full-time volunteer. Prior to her involvement with Friends, she worked as High School Library Media Coordinator for public and private schools.