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Welcome

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is located in the fertile Willamette Valley of northwestern Oregon . The Refuge is situated in open farmland near the confluence of the Santiam and Willamette rivers in the middle of the broad Willamette Valley . Elevations range between 180 to 290 feet msl. The Willamette Valley , with its mild, rainy winter climate, is an ideal environment for wintering waterfowl. The Refuge consists of 1,765 acres of cropland, which provide forage for wintering geese, 600 acres of riparian forests, and 500 acres of shallow water seasonal wetlands

As with the other refuges within the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Complex, the primary management goal of Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is to provide high quality wintering habitat for geese, especially the dusky Canada goose , to ensure healthy, viable goose populations while minimizing goose browse damage to crops on private agricultural lands.

Ankeny NWR also provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Wildlife/wildlands observation, photography, hiking, and environmental education and interpretation are the major public use activities allowed on the Refuge.

Habitat improvement and restoration are essential for the continued survival of wildlife populations in the Willamette Valley . If you are interested in restoring your lands to native habitat, such as wetlands, prairies, grasslands or upland oak/savannas, please click on the following link " Partnership for Fish and Wildlife " for further information.

 

RAIL TRAIL REOPENS FOLLOWING STORM DAMAGE (Update March 25)

The Rail Trail hiking trail, located on Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge near Jefferson, is now open following repairs to the boardwalk that was damaged from storms that blew through the area last week.  A large tree gave way during high winds and rain and fell across the boardwalk, causing damage to the structure. 

For more information on the Refuges, please contact the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters at (541) 757-7236.  Office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.

 

 

LOCAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES ANNOUNCE SPRING HOURS

Access onto the trails and major portions of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuges is now available with the annual lifting of the Winter Sanctuary season. Visitors are encourage to enjoy the hiking trails, wildlife viewing, historic buildings and special programs that the Refuges have to offer during this open period.

The Refuges are open from sunrise to sunset each day. Visitors are reminded that Finley Refuge Road is a Refuge road and falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government.  It is closed to all public access from sunset to sunrise, including through traffic.

To view the full announcement, CLICK HERE.

 

INVASIVE SPECIES WORK PARTIES

We need you! Check back soon for more information on upcoming parties and to learn more about how you can help restore habitat on your National Wildlife Refuges!

 

GREAT NEWS

"Nature Photography Blinds Now Available"  
Visitors come to the Willamette Valley NWR Complex for many reasons, but most center on the abundance of wildlife that can be seen during the different seasons. The vision of geese, ducks, and water birds by the thousands dotting the open fields and marshes are enough to entice even the most seasoned of naturalists. Hawks soar overhead, scanning the landscape for a quick meal. Elk and bobcat roam the woodland edge. Iridescent butterfly wings glimmer like jewels in the sun. But most wildlife are naturally apprehensive around people and disappear quickly if approached. Photography blinds can provide visitors with an opportunity to view wildlife up close without disturbing the animal's natural behavior. Two photography blinds are now available to photographers hoping to click that award-winning picture or just preserve a memory to last a life time.