National Wildlife Refuge Week

It’s a fact: Nature moves us. What better time to celebrate that connection with the natural world than during National Wildlife Refuge Week, Oct. 11-17.

National wildlife refuges, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have been part of Americans’ rich natural heritage since 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt established the first national wildlife refuge on Pelican Island, Florida.

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which includes Stillwater, Fallon and Anaho Island NWR, is a proud part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the nation’s premier public network of lands and water dedicated to habitat and wildlife conservation. The nation’s 563 national wildlife refuges offer visitors unique opportunities to fish, hunt, hike or see and photograph iconic wildlife in its natural setting.

Even in this drought year, refuges help clean our air, filter our water, teach our children and support local economies. From birdwatching in the spring, to waterfowl hunting in the fall, Stillwater NWR offers something for anyone wanting that ‘getting away from it all’ experience.

However, due to the limited water on the refuge this year hunting, birdwatching and other wildlife-dependent recreation will be limited as well. The public tour route around Foxtail Lake will be closed Oct 9–19, to lessen disturbance to migratory birds during the start of waterfowl hunt season. The remainder of the refuge will remain open, but check for updates in the refuge information kiosk or the main office in Fallon before heading out.

To give visitors an introduction to National Wildlife Refuges, Stillwater NWR Complex is offering a traveling exhibit and a monarch butterfly workshop in the Fallon area, to recognize National Wildlife Refuges throughout October. The exhibit includes a colorful refuge display, video, handouts, kids coloring books, Fall/Winter guided tour signup, refuge maps, litter bags and suggested points of interest to plan your future refuge visits.

The exhibit will be featured at the following locations:

Oct. 1–9: Fallon Convention Center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday–Friday

Oct. 9–23: US Bank, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Oct. 23–31: Location announced by Friday.

Free community workshop:

Oct. 28: Monarchs and Milkweeds — Churchill Co. Extension Office, 111 Sheckler Road. Learn about these long-distance travelers and how you can help them survive in our area. 6-8 p.m. Limited seats, sign up by calling 775-423-5128 ext. 228.

Learn more about conserving natural resources by visiting our website at fws.gov/refuge/Stillwater/ Or consider volunteering for a refuge project that suits your talents, skills, experience and schedule. It can be for a one-time event or a long-term project, either indoors or outside. For more information contact Stillwater NWR at 775/423-5128 ext. 228.