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Historically the Willamette Valley was a mix of wildlife habitats. Valley wetlands were extensive with meandering streams and vast seasonal marshes. Grasslands were maintained by wildfire and fires set by the Kalapuya Indians. Today, the Willamette Valley is a mix of farmland and growing cities with few areas remaining for wildlife.

The Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC), made up of three National Wildlife Refuges was created in the 1960's - William L. Finley, Ankeny and Baskett Slough - to preserve and restore some of the vanishing native habitats for wildlife. The primary management goal on the Willamette Valley refuges is to provide wintering habitat for the dusky Canada goose. Unlike other Canada geese, duskies have limited summer and winter ranges. They nest on Alaska 's Copper River Delta and winter almost exclusively in the Willamette Valley . Habitat loss, predation and hunting have caused a decrease in populations.

Another management goal is to preserve native species and enhance biodiversity. Disappearing Willamette Valley habitats such as seasonal wetlands, native prairie and riparian forest are examples of habitats now protected on the refuges. Endangered and threatened species such as bald eagles, Fender's blue butterfly, Oregon chub, Bradshaw's desert parsley, Willamette daisy and Kincaid's lupine find protection and sanctuary on the refuges.

Habitat improvement and restoration are essential for the continued survival of wildlife populations in the Willamette Valley . If you are interested in restoring your lands to native habitat, such as wetlands, prairies, grasslands or upland oak/savannas, please click on the "Partnership for Fish and Wildlife" button for further information.

Click here for the Refuge Complex's General Brochure, which includes more information and maps of the three Refuges.

 

ANNUAL WINTER SANCTUARY SEASON ANNOUNCED FOR LOCAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES Click here for full details October 30, 2009

 

NEW INVASIVE SPECIES WORK PARTIES ANNOUNCED! *UPDATE JANUARY 19, 2010*

We need you! Click here for information on upcoming work parties and to learn more about how you can help restore habitat on your National Wildlife Refuges!

UPDATE JANUARY 19, 2010

Due to extreme wet conditions, the tree planting scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd, at William L. Finley NWR has been CANCELLED. Please check back for a rain date.

 

WILD GOOSE NATURE STORE OPENS AT NEW COMPLEX FACILITY

Visitors can now look forward to finding friendly faces and information inside the office on the weekends. The Friends of the Willamette Valley NWR Complex, a non-profit organization formed to provide support to the Refuge, opened the Wild Goose Nature Store inside the headquarters office on August 21st. The new Nature Store will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 4pm. Items relating to the Willamette Valley Refuges, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and other conservation related themes will provide the inspiration behind t-shirts, hats, books, pins, and more.

Volunteers are needed! If you are interested in talking with people from all walks of life and sharing your passion for wildlife, contact the Friends at freckles672@comcast.net. You may also contact the Refuge Ranger at (541) 757-7236 or sallie_gentry@fws.gov.

 

NEW REFUGE COMPLEX OFFICE OPEN

The William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge administrative office has moved from its current location in Cabell Lodge to a new facility located near the Mill Hill Trail. Located approximately one mile further west on Finley Refuge Road, the office shares a central location with the Refuge shop compound.

Since 1979, Cabell Lodge has been used as the headquarters office for the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The building, nearly a century old, was upgraded to accommodate computer systems and other modern office needs but has costly limitations due to its age, condition and design. The new headquarters allows staff to work more effectively and efficiently, while providing more accessibility for visitors. Exterior restrooms, improved parking for passenger vehicles and buses, and a new access route to Mill Hill Trail provide comfort and convenience. Future plans for landscaping and interpretive signs are under way.

 

GREAT NEWS

 

"Nature Photography Blinds Now Available"

Visitors come to the Willamette Valley NWR Complex for many reasons, but most center on the abundance of wildlife that can be seen during the different seasons. The vision of geese, ducks, and water birds by the thousands dotting the open fields and marshes are enough to entice even the most seasoned of naturalists. Hawks soar overhead, scanning the landscape for a quick meal. Elk and bobcat roam the woodland edge. Iridescent butterfly wings glimmer like jewels in the sun. But most wildlife are naturally apprehensive around people and disappear quickly if approached. Photography blinds can provide visitors with an opportunity to view wildlife up close without disturbing the animal's natural behavior. Two photography blinds are now available to photographers hoping to click that award-winning picture or just preserve a memory to last a life time.