Ways to Get Involved
From its start in 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has owed its very existence to concerned citizens eager to protect America's natural resources. Join the Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex or email us at willamettevalley@fws.gov it you would like to volunteer! We often host planting parties and clean-up's. Plus, we have an ongoing and active volunteer program at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center.
Volunteering
More than 42,000 people volunteer their time and ideas each year to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Whether they work on the land, in a visitor center or with youth, they contribute to the conservation mission that reaches back more than a century. Become a volunteer or Refuge Friend to contribute your strength on behalf of America’s natural resources. Contact the Friends of the WVNWRC or Refuge staff to learn how you can get involved.
Our Partners
The Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex
More than 200 nonprofit Refuge Friends organizations support National Wildlife Refuges, whether they work with a single refuge, a refuge complex or an entire state. Friends members are crucial to conserving and protecting our nation’s wildlife and teaching millions of Americans that their actions today determine the conservation legacy of tomorrow. The Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex support the refuges through work parties, educational programs, refuge events, and funds provided by the volunteer-run Wild Goose Nature Store in the William L. Finley Refuge administrative building.
Outreach
Youth Waterfowl Hunt
We offer a limited youth waterfowl hunt as a part of the Oregon statewide youth hunt offered over one weekend each September. To apply for this hunt, check our homepage for full details, map and application. We accept applications from August 1st - August 31st. This is the the ONLY hunting opportunity at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge.
Education Programs
Baskett Slough NWR provides educators with great locations to do environmental education all year long. Students can learn about native habitats of the Willamette Valley, endangered species, and bird migration.
Is your school, youth, environmental or other group interested in learning more about the wildlife, plants, habitats and ecology of a particular national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge ? Contact or visit Baskett Slough NWR to check on program availability and reservation policies. Refuges are wild places, and we want to teach you more about them!