Education

Constructed in 2008, the new McNary Environmental Education Center is a 2,300-square-foot building with a large observation deck, picnic area, nature trail, bird blind, and shrub-steppe educational garden. The Education Center provides materials for educational activities and is available for wildlife and ecological interpretive programs for schools, organizations and the public. Programs are run by appointment only, and all teachers are encouraged to use the refuge as an outdoor classroom. Up to 60 students at one time participate in nature walks, hands-on science activities, and educational curriculum developed by refuge volunteers and staff. The majority of classes visit the refuge between April and June, although the Education Center typically has at least one different class visiting each month of the year.

Much of the critical environmental education work done at this Center is possible through the dedication of volunteers, many of which are also Friends of the Mid-Columbia River Refuges. The local chapter of the Audubon Society also offers assistance.

If you are an educator and would like to bring your class to McNary NWR or have Refuge staff come to your classroom, please contact us at mcriver@fws.gov, telephone: 509-546-8300.

For more educational opportunities contact the Friends of Mid-Columbia River Wildlife Refuges, telephone (509) 546-8350.