Contacts:
Sue McDonald, (509) 546-8355
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week at Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, October 6, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Observe biologists banding a song bird, discover the wonders of water critters, float the refuge by kayak, and much more. Activities will be hosted at both the hunter check station and the refuge headquarters.
Tree planting, songbird banding, and pond life will be at the hunter check station on Paterson Ferry Road. Further down the road, the refuge’s new headquarters facilities will be hosting an open house with refreshments, exhibits, and a special presentation on burrowing owls at 11 a.m. by Laci Bristow, Assistant Refuge Manager. For more information and times of activities visit www.friendsofmcrwr.org/events.shtml or call 509-546-8300.
The canoe/kayak tour will meet at 9 a.m. at the hunter check station. Participants need to bring their own canoe or kayak, personal floatation device, and RSVP to Jaynee Levy, Visitor Services Specialist at jaynee_levy@fws.gov .
Many refuges will host special Refuge Week events in and around the week of October 14 through 20 to celebrate America’s majestic wildlife heritage. Since Theodore Roosevelt established the first National Wildlife Refuge in 1903, the Refuge System has become the world’s premier habitat conservation system, encompassing 556 refuges. Umatilla Refuge was established in 1969 and provides an oasis for wildlife in the Columbia Basin on its nearly 24,000 acres. It also provides visitors wonderful opportunities to fish, hunt, hike, and observe fascinating creatures in the wild.
The Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge is located at 72650 Riverview Lane near Irrigon, Oregon. From the Tri-Cities, take I-82 E. Exit at Umatilla and travel US Hwy 730 W. Travel through Irrigon. Turn right on Paterson Ferry Road heading north. The hunter check station is on the left side approximately 2 miles down the road. Refuge headquarters is further down the road west of the grain elevator on Riverview Lane.
-- FWS--
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.
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