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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 (Updated October 30, 2009)

On November 1, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge will enter into its winter sanctuary season. Public access into major portions of the Refuge will be limited in order to provide undisturbed habitat for dusky Canada geese and other wildlife. By resting in undisturbed areas on the Refuge, wintering geese replenish their energy reserves required for nesting and migrating. This sanctuary also reduces crop depredation problems on neighboring agricultural lands.

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. This 5,325 acre refuge is located approximately 9 miles south of Corvallis off State Highway 99W. Brown refuge signs are visible prior to the turn onto Finley Refuge Road.

A variety of activities await visitors, including driving the auto tour route or hiking several miles of trails. Several habitat types provide opportunities to view wildlife like Roosevelt elk, bobcats, and numerous species of birds, as well as native plants common to the Willamette Valley. Cabell Marsh is another popular area for wildlife watching and is now easily accessible from the Homer Campbell Memorial Boardwalk. From the observation blind at the end, hikers may observe thousand of geese and ducks that use Cabell Marsh as a roost sire, or osprey perched in a snag. Historical enthusiasts will find William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge of special interest. Historical homes and barns can be found at various locations on the refuge. Year-round trails include Woodpecker Loop, Mill Hill Trail, Inter-tie Trail, Homer Campbell Boardwalk, Cabell Marsh Overlook, and McFadden Marsh Trail.

Visitors to Finley NWR may now find friendly faces to answer questions and provide directions on the weekends. Volunteers at the Wild Goose Nature Store, located within the Refuge headquarter building, are available Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Stop by to pick up brochures, take a break, browse the Store, or just say “hi”.

The Snag Boat Bend Unit, located off Peoria Road, also offers limited access on a short boardwalk. Bridge repairs were completed earlier this summer and the parking lot was re-opened for vehicles.

The winter closure for Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge went into effect on October 1 and will remain in effect until March 31. Visiting hours are sunrise to sunset. To locate Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, visitors should travel west on State Highway 22 from Salem and watch for the wildlife viewing area signs, which are located on the north side of the highway at mile post 14.

A wildlife viewing kiosk is located adjacent to State Highway 22. This facility offers visitors excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and is complete with interpretive panels, a viewing scope, benches, picnic tables and accessible restrooms. The kiosk is fully accessible and is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Hiking on Baskett Slough is limited to the Rich Guadagno Memorial Trail and Baskett Butte Loop. Both are popular hikes and offer panoramic views of the Willamette Valley. Look for various raptor species cruising over the fields below the Butte. A restroom and kiosk facilities are located at the trailhead off Coville Road.

The majority of Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge entered its closure season on October 1 . Visitors may access open areas on the Refuge from sunrise to sunset. Access may be found by traveling 10 miles north from Albany or 12 miles south from Salem on Interstate 5. Take exit 243, Ankeny Hill Road, and drive 1/4 mile west to an intersection. Refuge trails and overlooks may be found along Buena Vista Road, Ankeny Hill Road, and Wintel Road. Watch for the brown wildlife viewing area signs.

A wildlife viewing kiosk is located adjacent to Buena Vista Road at Eagle Marsh Overlook. This facility offers visitors excellent wildlife viewing opportunities overlooking a large permanent wetland area where bald eagles are frequently seen. A viewing scope will help you practice your identification skills.

Winter scenic valley habitat is best done on Rail Trail. The trail passes through oak and maple woods and an Oregon ash dominated forested wetland. A 2,500 foot boardwalk and wildlife observation blind are included in the first section of the trail. This section travels through the wooded wetland and provides a new opportunity to enjoy nature in an intimate setting. The hike is well worth the time and effort for those interested in viewing a variety of habitats, plant and animal life. Another viewing blind and boardwalk are available on the north side of Wintel Road just west of the Rail Trail parking area. This short boardwalk parallels Bashaw Creek, ending at the viewing blind which overlooks Pintail Marsh.

The three Willamette Valley Refuges were created in the mid 1960's to provide habitat for the dusky Canada goose and to preserve and restore vanishing native habitats for a host of other wildlife and plant species. The Refuges support a diverse assemblage of rare, threatened, and endangered species of plants and animals. Each Refuge is intensively managed to meet the needs of many species, especially those confined to small or limited ranges. These Refuges offer the public a unique opportunity to view Oregon’s natural heritage up close. An overall management goal of the Willamette Valley Refuges is to provide high quality opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation and environmental education.

Visitors should remember Refuges are not zoos; wildlife roam free in their natural habitats. So expect to see the wonder of nature in all its glory! If you are not familiar with local wildlife, enhance your experience by bringing along a birding book, binoculars and a canteen of water.

For more information please contact the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters at (541) 757-7236. Office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

 

 

*UPDATE NOVEMBER 14, 2009* NEW INVASIVE SPECIES WORK PARTIES ANNOUNCED!

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!

 

*NEW* 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" (Revised Jan.28, 2009)

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.