The Friends is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the conservation of the natural resources of the refuge, fostering public understanding and appreciation of the refuge, and engaging in activities that will assist and challenge the refuge to meet its mandates. The Friends serves to promote public understanding and appreciation of the environment and natural resources found on the refuge. It maintains and expands support for the refuge through membership activities, fundraising, and outreach programs, such as coordinating annual beach clean-up events and other public-oriented activities to benefit the refuge.

Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts, near major metropolitan areas, the Parker River NWR is comprised of more than 4,700 acres, including protected beaches, dunes, marine forest and salt marsh, one of the most productive ecosystems in nature. In addition to the refuge's mission of wildlife conservation, the refuge provides a variety of excellent wildlife-dependent recreational activities, including surf fishing, wildlife observation, and photography, a variety of interpretive programs, and seasonal hunting opportunities.