The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a good place close to home to watch birds and wildlife.Â
December has arrived. The cold and rainy weather will be with us for a few months, but that doesn't mean you can't go outside and enjoy the winter weather. The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a good place close to home to watch birds and wildlife. It offers a place to walk and catch your breath after all of the holiday shopping, family dinners, parties and other festivities. And better yet, the entertainment is some of the best you will find.
The seasonal trail is closed until May 1, but the year-round trail is always open. The refuge is open dawn to dusk every day and is free to the public
You will experience the amazing sights and sound of thousands of waterfowl swirling above your head as they look for sanctuary. The rain has come and the wetlands are filling, offering a resting and foraging place with countless puddles for ducks and geese. As you walk, look for bald eagles and peregrine falcons perched in the treetops and watching for a waterfowl meal. A few great blue herons and maybe an egret can still be seen.
The refuge is home to nearly 200 species of birds, over 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles and amphibians, and a wide variety of insects, fish and plants. That is an incredible amount of nature to experience so close to home, so if your backyard is quiet this time of year, come to the refuge.
Stop by Nature's Overlook, the Friends of the Refuge’s nature store in the visitor center. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The store carries a nice selection of nature themed items. You'll find warm and colorful socks, scarves, jewelry, games and puzzles for rainy days, field guides to learn more about nature, and books to read by the fireplace. The store also offers shopping online and features many of the same unique products you will find in the store. Online orders can be picked up at the store during regular business hours or other times by appointment. Friends of the Refuge members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.
Proceeds from the store sales are used to support projects on the refuge. If you would rather shop online, check out the merchandise the store has available at www.friendsoftualatinrefuge.org. Online orders can be picked up at the store during regular business hours or other times by appointment. For more information or to place an order, call 503-539-8315.
If you have stopped in the store and thought that you might enjoy volunteering, the store is looking for volunteers. It's a place to meet and greet people from the local area and across the country. It's also a place to learn about the refuge . No specific experience is necessary; training will be provided. You must be a member of Friends of the Refuge and commit to working two three-hour shifts per month. Volunteers receive relevant training and 10% off purchases, behind-the-scenes tours and workshops. If you are interested, email Natalie Balkam , FWS park ranger at tualatinriver.@fws.gov, call her at 503-625-5944 or stop by the visitor center during open hours.
