Ankeny Hill Nature Center

The USFWS Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, in partnership with the Salem Audubon Society and the Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, have created an environmental education hub for the Mid-Willamette Valley called the Ankeny Hill Nature Center! 

Interpretive Kiosk with information about the Ankeny Hill Nature Center with a map, Swans, native plants, dragonflies, an Acorn Woodpecker, and more
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The Ankeny Hill Nature Center takes advantage of its location at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge to provide multiple educational environments including indoor and outdoor classrooms, the Nature Explore area for kids, outlooks, and learning stations along accessible pathways and discovery elements throughout the Refuge.

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center is creating ways to make it easy for people of all ages and interests to make visits to the center personally rewarding. From school children to conservancy organizations, special interest groups to scouts, our mission is to make the center a focal point of community life.

Mission Statement:

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center provides educational and interpretive opportunities to connect people with nature and to instill a sense of environmental stewardship.

Visit Us

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center is dedicated to being as inclusive and accessible as possible. Visit anytime from dawn to dusk! It's always free! Check out our brochure for more information!

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center is more of a center for nature.... it spans 25 acres and includes a number of nature exploration options:

  • Gehlar Hall, an indoor and outdoor classroom, reservable at no cost for conservation and education purposes. 

    To reserve Gehlar Hall, check out the Registration Information page.

  • Picnic spaces

    Wooden picnic tables at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
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  • Bike parking

    Interpretive metal cutouts for bikes to park and lock.
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  • Discovery backpacks and binoculars for use when staff or volunteers are present

    A yellow backpack and white backpack for reserve
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  • Two accessible trails, Little Loop and Big Loop

    Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex (267452)

  • An innovative nature playground called the Nature Explore Area (tip: look for 2 tunnels and 2 bridges)

    Wooden bridge leading to a wood chipped path lined on both sides with tall grasses and a Willamette Valley Pine tree on the left in the background
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  • Numerous education nodes that are more than just an interpretive stop; they are interactive and educational with or without a park ranger or volunteer to guide you

  • A garden for native plants, pollinators, and people called the Pollinator Patch

    Wooden cut-out of a Bumble Bee for visitors to pose in
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  • A self-guided storywalk along the Little Loop and Big Loop trail

  • David B. Marshall Outdoor Classroom perched over Peregrine Marsh 

    Outdoor classroom and observation blind over the marsh.
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    Interior of David B. Marshall Outdoor Classroom with sliding doors and a fence surrounding the building. Building overlooks Peregrine Marsh
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  • Lots of observable wildlife and habitats to explore

    Small blue bird perched
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Volunteer

The Ankeny Hill Nature Center also has a very active volunteer program, and we would love your help! Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator for more information, orientation dates/times and community volunteer days: volunteer_manager@ankenyhillnaturecenter.org

Habitat Stewards and Education, Interpretive, and Outreach Volunteers are just a few of the opportunities.  

Education, Interpretive, and Outreach Volunteers
Ankeny Hill Nature Center volunteers assisting students with a craft
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Education, Interpretive, and Outreach volunteers have an interest in environmental education, local plant and wildlife species, ecosystems and habitats, and/or cultural history. Ability to effectively communicate knowledge to refuge visitors, and program and/or event participants.

Potential Responsibilities Include:

  • Prepare materials for programs and events
  • Share info about the Nature Center and Refuge at the Welcome Table
  • Present scheduled programs
  • Assist schools and community groups with educational programs
  • Attend and table outreach events in local communities
Habitat Stewards
Volunteers working outdoors spreading wood chips
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Habitat Steward volunteers have an interest in local plant and wildlife species, gardening, ecosystems and habitats, and/or cultural history. Ability to walk up to 1+ miles along refuge trails, using tools and materials to pick-up trash, remove weeds, and perform other general habitat maintenance as needed.

Potential Responsibilities Include:

  • Clean-up trash along trails & viewpoints
  • Identify maintenance needs at the Nature Center
  • Remove invasive weeds
  • Plant native plants
  • Spread wood chips
  • Load, unload, and move materials and tools as needed
Community Volunteer Days (Third Saturday of each month from 10:00am - 12:00pm)

Help with conservation, education, and restoration efforts by participating in regularly scheduled volunteer days every third Saturday of the month from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Projects typically include invasive plant management, trash removal, or preparing environmental education and interpretive materials. 

This is a great way to participate in environmental stewardship, meet others in the community who enjoy the outdoors, and get behind-the-scenes looks at the refuge. No need to register for the Community Volunteer Days, just show up with a desire to learn and assist!

Interested in learning more? Check out our website Ankeny Hill Nature Center and plan your next visit!