Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as they host an Open House at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, October 28, 2006 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. This free interpretive and interactive event is being held to celebrate the National Wildlife Refuge System and is open to the public. Late October marks an exciting time of year at Nestucca Bay Refuge, as Aleutian cackling and Dusky Canada geese have migrated south from their breeding grounds in Alaska to their wintering grounds in western Oregon. The geese can be seen feeding on the short grass pastures at Nestucca Bay Refuge and surrounding farmlands.

During the Open House event, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Coast Range, the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kiwanda and Haystack Rock as they embark on one of two simultaneous two-hour hikes around the refuge to watch wildlife and learn about the history and purposes of the refuge. One of the hikes will focus on birds, as Wildlife Refuge Specialist Dawn Grafe leads a tour around the refuge to look for large and small birds in a variety of habitats including managed pastures, woodlands, and open bay. These habitats provide safe haven for waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and many species of songbirds.

A second hike will be led by Project Leader Roy Lowe and will focus on the history of Nestucca Bay Refuge, the restoration of native forest, and the plans for opening a portion of the refuge to public use. A special highlight of this year's Open House event will be a tour and discussion of the proposed Cannery Hill Overlook project, which would allow the public to visit the refuge and view the wildlife and spectacular scenery. The proposed project would include improving the entrance road, creating two small parking lots, and constructing a trail and viewing deck up on Cannery Hill. Environmental documents analyzing the benefits and potential impacts of this proposed project will be available for public review in November, and visitors attending this Open House event will get an on-the-ground preview of the proposal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will have binoculars and field guides to loan for those who would like close-up looks at wildlife. Please dress for Oregon's ever changing and often inclement weather. Meet at 9:00 am at the gravel parking area on Christensen Road (turn west onto Christensen Road off of Highway 101 and travel approximately ½ mile) across from refuge housing. For more information contact Dawn Grafe at 541-867-4550.