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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.

 

FEDERAL HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

The Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes William L. Finley, Ankeny, and Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuges, will be closed November 26th, December 25th, and January 1st in observance of the federal holidays.

The Wild Goose Nature Store, located within the headquarters at William L. Finley NWR, will also be closed on December 25th and January 1st. The Store will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm on both holiday weekends and Friday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm all other weekends.

The Refuges will remain open to the public on these dates during normal visiting hours from sunrise to sunset. We hope you enjoy your visit!

 

 

NEW INVASIVE SPECIES WORK PARTIES ANNOUNCED! *UPDATE NOVEMBER 14, 2009*

We need you! Click here for information on upcoming work 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.