Events On The Mid-Columbia Refuges

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September 24 is National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance public lands. Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies to enhance public land along the Yakima River by pulling weeds and collecting trash. We haven't set any times or other events yet, so please check back. We have, however, planned evetns at . . .

Columbia Wildlife Refuge's Sandhill Crane Festival

Great news! The 2011 Sandhill Crane Festival is back. We also have another special oppotunity for you to see Columbia National Wildlife Refuge's wildlife. Join Refuge Wildlife Biologist, Gordon Warrick, as he conducts waterfowl surveys and looks for cranes (among other migratory birds) throughout Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Each survey can accommodate up to nine visitors who will be required to sign a volunteer form. Bring binoculars to enhance your viewing experience. Surveys may be canceled due to inclement weather (or fog). To sign up call 509-546-8300. Available tours are:

• March 3, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• March 8, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• March 11, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• March 14, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• March 17, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• March 22, 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• March 29, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge

There are no organized events planned until the fall, but don't let that stop you from a winter's visit. Conboy Lake can be a magical place in the winter, but please take special care not to disturb the wildlife. Winter can be hard on them, and any unnecessary expenditure of energy can be a hardship.

Saturday, October 8, 10:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. – In celebration of National Wildlife Refuge Week, travel to Glenwood, Washington, and explore Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge at the base of Mt. Adams. Explore the Refuge, the new buildings, and the wildlife through a variety of activities, from bird walks to refuge tours. With luck, migrating Sandhill cranes will regale you with their bubbly song as you walk the Willard Springs Trail. If it's warm enough, Oregon spotted frogs hop to and fro in the water inlets. This refuge is a must see!

McNary National Wildlife Refuge & Second Saturday

Saturday, January 8, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – This week's Second Saturday is all about bald eagles. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., you can learn about America's national symbol.

Saturday, February 12, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – Observe and learn about ducks, swans, geese and other migrating birds. The refuge will supply bird lists, binoculars and a spotting scope for close-up viewing. Results will be entered at www.ebird.org. If weather permits, we will have an activity on mist netting and bird banding.

Saturday, March 12, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – Kite Flying. Celebrate spring by making and flying your own bird kite. Kite master, reg Greger, will show you how easy this is with basic everyday materials. This activity is a favorite for all ages.

Saturday, April 9, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – It's Earth Day! Put on your grubs and slip on your gloves. Join us for an Earth Day pre-celebration by cleaning up trash at McNary National Wildlife Refuge. We will be focusing on two areas by foot: headquarters and hunting areas; and one by kayak: shorelines reached by launching at Casey Pond. Bring gloves and meet at the McNary Environmental Education Center. Clean-up sponsored by WISP (Washington Inland Sea Kayaking Club), REI, and the Friends of Mid-Columbia River Wildlife Refuges.

Saturday, May 14, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – International Migratory Bird Day. Across the globe, folks will celebrate bird migrations. We will identify, count and observe bird species throughout the morning. McNary NWR will host bird games and activities about the amazing effort and obstacles birds experience on their migrations. For more information about International Migratory Bird Day, visit www.birdday.org. Note that this event is also taking place at Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge, where FWS staff will host a hayride through the refuge.

Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – Bugs galore! Explore the wonderful world of small critters in the shrub steppe habitat and along the wetlands. Nets, jars, and microscopes will be provided. Who knows what you will find when you shake a shrub, part a flower, or turn over a rock? Special guest, James Dillman, will assist us in butterfly identification.

Saturday, July 9, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – What can you do with sticks, leaves, cattails, rocks, or milkweed pods? Craft a critter hut for small creatures, make a toy, build a fairy house, or even weave a tiny raft to float on the wetland. We’ll show you how. Bring your imagination!

Saturday, August 13, 8:00 a.m to 12 noon – Learn how to band a duck, identify waterfowl, call geese and ducks, retrieve ducks with a Labrador, and much more. Members from Ducks Unlimited and the Richland Rod and Gun Club will be on hand to teach youth of all ages about wildlife conservation through a variety of outdoor activities. Join us for our most popular annual event!

Saturday, September 10, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – Virtual Geocaching! Let’s learn how to geocache with GPS units. We will teach you how, then walk the nature trail and find special items on your list. Turn in your list for a prize. Everyone’s a winner!

It's also Hunter Blind Preparation Day. Spruce up the waterfowl hunting blinds! Bring gloves, boots, waders, and tools to work on the blinds. Meet at the McNary Environmental Education Center for a brief orientation.

Saturday, October 8, Second Saturday Moves to Conboy Lake NWR

Saturday, November 12, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – Why are owls so mysterious? Learn the secrets of their eyes, feathers, neck vertebrae, and hunting skills. Then, examine and dissect owl pellets to figure out what they eat and what they can’t digest.

Saturday, December 10, 9:00 a.m to 12 noon – We all live on Planet Earth. Let's learn how to care for our planet one carbon molecule at a time. View current videos on why we need your help and what you can do. If snow is on the ground, we will take a walk and discuss what animal signs we find, and how these animals adapt to changing seasons and climate. If no snow, we will have a puppet show.

Toppenish National Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, May 14 – International Migratory Bird Day. Across the globe, folks will celebrate bird migrations. We will identify, count and observe bird species throughout the morning. Toppenish NWR will host a hayride through the refuge. For more information about International Migratory Bird Day, visit www.birdday.org. Note that McNary NWR is also taking part and will host bird games and activities about the amazing effort and obstacles birds experience on their migrations.