Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

National Wildlife Refuge Week

Sunset and wildlife viewing during a Refuge tour

Each autumn the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service devotes a week to celebrating our National Refuge System. During this week the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge hosts a sunset wildlife tour. This bus tour provides a great opportunity to enjoy and learn about one refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System. For details about the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge tour please contact the office.

Information Booths

Information booth at the Sandhill Crane Festival

Refuge employees and volunteers staff informational booths at local fairs and events throughout the year. Look for the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge table and stop by to pick up some educational material or ask a question or two. Some of the events the Refuge has attended in the past include the Grant and Adams County Fair, the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival and the Coulee Corridor Big Event. For specific events and dates please contact the office.

Othello Sandhill Crane Festival

The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is an annual festival held each March focused around wildlife observation, specifically Sandhill cranes. This event includes many birding tours, knowledgeable presenters, children's crafts and other wildlife related activities. Refuge staff support this festival by offering wildlife expertise, leading tours and helping with logistics. For festival details head to the official Sandhill Crane Festival website at http://www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org

Refuge staff helps direct people to a morning crane viewing tour

International Migratory Bird Day

Wildlife viewing with Refuge staff

International Migratory Bird Day celebrates the incredible journey of migratory birds. On the second Saturday in May public events are held internationally that promote awareness and conservation of migratory birds. The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge participates in the celebration by offering a birding tour on the Refuge. For details about the tour contact the office. More information about International Migratory Bird Day is available at http://www.birdday.org