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Welcome

 

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is situated along the foothills of the Coast Range at the western edge of the fertile Willamette Valley of northwestern Oregon . A second unit on the east side of the river, Snag Boat Bend, has been added to the Refuge. The Refuge encompasses a diverse assortment of habitats including riparian forest, upland forest, upland prairie, wet prairie, wetlands and farm fields. Elevations range from 185 to 414 feet msl.

As with the other refuges within the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Complex, the primary management goal of William L. Finley 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.

Other management goals are to preserve native species and enhance biodiversity. Populations of several endangered and threatened animal and plant species can be found on the refuge. A herd of Roosevelt elk can be found in the bottomland forests or farm fields on the Refuge. Wildlife/wildlands observation, photography, hiking, and environmental education and interpretation are the major public use activities allowed on the Refuge. Limited hunting and fishing opportunities are also provided.

Of special interest are several historic buildings located within the Refuge including the Fiechter House, completed in 1857 and thought to be the oldest house in Benton County.

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.

 

*UPDATE OCTOBER 18, 2009* NEW INVASIVE SPECIES WORK PARTIES ANNOUNCED!

More dates coming soon!

 

*NEW* WILD GOOSE NATURE STORE OPENS AT NEW COMPLEX FACILITY

Visitors can now look forward to finding friendly faces and information inside the office on the weekends. The Friends of the Willamette Valley NWR Complex, a non-profit organization formed to provide support to the Refuge, opened the Wild Goose Nature Store inside the headquarters office on August 21st. The new Nature Store will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 4pm. Items relating to the Willamette Valley Refuges, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and other conservation related themes will provide the inspiration behind t-shirts, hats, books, pins, and more.

Volunteers are needed! If you are interested in talking with people from all walks of life and sharing your passion for wildlife, contact the Friends at freckles672@comcast.net. You may also contact the Refuge Ranger at (541) 757-7236 or sallie_gentry@fws.gov.

 

 

NEW REFUGE COMPLEX OFFICE OPEN

The William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge administrative office has moved from its current location in Cabell Lodge to a new facility located near the Mill Hill Trail. Located approximately one mile further west on Finley Refuge Road, the office shares a central location with the Refuge shop compound.

Since 1979, Cabell Lodge has been used as the headquarters office for the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The building, nearly a century old, was upgraded to accommodate computer systems and other modern office needs but has costly limitations due to its age, condition and design. The new headquarters allows staff to work more effectively and efficiently, while providing more accessibility for visitors. Exterior restrooms, improved parking for passenger vehicles and buses, and a new access route to Mill Hill Trail provide comfort and convenience. Future plans for landscaping and interpretive signs are under way.

 

 

GREAT NEWS

"Nature Photography Blinds Now Available" (Revised Jan. 28, 2009)

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.