Defenders of Wildlife Blog

Great blue heron in flight.

All summer we’ve spotlighted some of the best places around the country to reconnect with nature and enjoy wildlife. As autumn draws near, we take a look at our last refuge in this series: the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington State.

And for a grand finale, we’re pleased to share a lyrical essay by Defenders’ vice president of field conservation programs, Nancy Gloman, recounting her recent return trip to the refuge where she once worked during her tenure with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Thanks for TAKING REFUGE with us this summer. And keep coming back to the blog for the latest wildlife stories and news.

The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The Nisqually is a mosaic of  habitats and home to black bears, beavers, mountain lions, river otters, red fox, coyote and more. Birders can spot nesting great blue herons, kestrels, eagles or some 275 migratory bird species that flock to the area’s wetlands.

Plan your exploration and learn about the refuge’s hiking trails, history and wildlife at the visitor center, which is open Sunday through Wednesday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. In September, the refuge hosts its annual Nisqually Watershed Festival, celebrating the cultural and natural history of the area with a day of interesting educational programs, guided walks, good eats and fun. Best of all, there’s no need to flee the city to catch the excitement. TAKE REFUGE today at this treasure trove of natural wonders nestled right on the northern border of Olympia, Wash.,

Nancy Gloman, vice president of field conservation programs

Defenders’ vice president of field conservation programs, Nancy Gloman, reflects on the transformations taking place at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, where more than a decade ago she worked as deputy field supervisor for the FWS’ Ecological Service Office. We hope you enjoy her wonderful essay:

Things have changed a lot since I last worked in the area more than a decade ago. As I traveled along the I-5 corridor, it seemed that every other river mouth has become a hub of commerce. That’s why I marvel at how the Nisqually River Delta has not been commercially developed. Fortunately, someone had the foresight to recognize the importance of this place. The Nisqually River Delta is special—revered by the Nisqually tribe who occupied these lands for thousands of years and cherished by the urban dwellers of Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle, Wash. who long for an undeveloped connection to the water.

The area, however, was not left entirely untouched. Although it was never formally developed for commercial uses, the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge had been diked for decades, blocking crucial tidal flows to acres of wetlands. And while it was still home to a spectacular array of wildlife, something was missing—salmon, the ebb and flow of the tide, and the ecosystem those waters nourished.

So just as the waves of the Puget Sound beat for years against the man-made levee keeping them out, the idea of opening the dikes and restoring the ancient rhythm of life in the delta persistently beat in the minds and the hearts of those who dreamed of returning the delta to its past glory. It took vision, persistence and partnerships to make that dream a reality. Organizations including Ducks Unlimited, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Nisqually tribe all helped to create this new and improved haven for wildlife.

A new boardwalk meanders over restored mashlands.

As I walked the “new” Nisqually Refuge, I passed a modern visitor center with its well placed displays, enthusiastic staff and volunteers. I took the boardwalk hike to view the results of a long road to restoration. The tidal connection had been restored, re-establishing salt marsh and habitats that support plant and wildlife, from algae to salmon to wading birds and raptors. As I stared across the largest tidal marsh restoration in the Pacific Northwest, I began to fully appreciate what a great opportunity and accomplishment this was for all involved. It reaffirmed the notion that when lands and wildlife are managed using sound science, we can all reap the benefits. But most importantly, the Nisqually showed me that nature is strong and resilient. When I look out across these wetlands, I see more than water, fish and birds. I see hope for the future–that we continue to protect and restore wild places.

Named for an ancient Aztec emperor, the town of Montezuma in the heart of the Empire State is also the home of New York’s oldest wildlife refuge. Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is located on the northern end of Lake Cayuga between Rochester and Syracuse, New York.  Founded in 1938, it’s still one of the best places to enjoy wildlife.

The 9,000-acre refuge includes forests, grasslands and wetlands. In 1973, the swamps of the Montezuma were designated as a national natural landmark—which means the land is valuable to science and education because of its unique geology and ecosystem. And the wetlands are widely considered shining examples of undisturbed marsh habitat endemic to New York and New England.

The varied land lends itself to biological diversity. If you’re looking for a place to see an array of wildlife, look no further than Montezuma Refuge. The refuge boasts 243 bird species, 43 mammals, 16 amphibians and 15 reptiles.

Like many wetlands in the Northeast, Montezuma is part of the Atlantic flyway, where migratory birds stop to refuel. Snow geese, tundra swans, American black ducks and mallards flock in huge numbers over the lakes and marshes as they journey to and from home. Other birds like great blue herons, crowned night herons, and even bald eagles call the refuge home. In 1976, Montezuma Refuge was the site of the first ever bald eagle “hacking”­— a process where juvenile birds are brought to an uninhabited area and raised in high towers to mimic nests in the wild. Ideally, the raptors will return to breed in these areas — eventually recovering the population. The project that started at Montezuma was a success and continued on in other parts of the New York. In a little less than two decades, the number of nesting pairs of eagles skyrocketed from just one to 10 by 1989.

What To Do?

Today, there are several active bald eagle nests throughout the refuge. One nest can be spotted from Armitage Road right off of NY State Highway 89. Four of the refuge’s hiking trails also provide an opportunity to see eagles and other animals up close.

You can even watch or photograph wildlife from your own vehicle with the refuge’s three-mile Wildlife Drive. The route runs along the refuge’s Main Pool and has designated viewing areas, where you can hop out to get a closer look. Beaver, deer, red fox and turtles are common sites. A photo blind is located along the route to help you stealthily capture brilliant pictures.

The refuge’s visitor center is open from April through December. Inside, volunteers can help you plan your visit. You can also check out the exhibits to learn about the refuge’s wildlife and the history of the land. In spring and summer, you can also view osprey nesting close up and in real time thanks to Osprey Cam— a Web broadcast provided by Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Friends of Montezuma also holds an annual photography contest, and the winners have their photographs published in the Friends’ calendar.

There is enough to see and do that any visitor will be able to keep themselves busy. The refuge is simply an oasis of beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife nestled in the heart of New York. Take some time away from machine-brewed morning coffees and street lunches to TAKE REFUGE  in Montezuma, NY.

Sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico.

Settlers noticed Apache Indians camping in the forests alongside the Rio Grande River and called the region “Bosque del Apache,” Spanish for “Woods of the Apache.” Today this place is one of the premier spots for birding and wildlife watching in the world.

The 57,331-acre Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was established in New Mexico in 1939 to provide habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The adventurous can explore a stunning assortment of terrain including floodplains, canyons, forests, foothills, and farmland all surrounded by 30,000 acres of designated Wilderness on the northern edge of the Chihuahuan desert.

Over the years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and dedicated volunteers have shaped an amazing environment on the refuge, which supports a diversity of wildlife. It was chosen, along with 12 other national wildlife refuges as a Land Management Research and Demonstration area to showcase successful land management techniques and spearhead the development of new practices. Today, the USFWS is working to restore bare soil sites on the refuge which were stripped of nutrients by invasive tree species.

Sandhill crane wades in the Rio Grande.

What To Do?

The devoted workers also optimize the stay for visitors. The Friends of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge (a partner group) organizes regular events such as guided nature walks. But the highlight comes in November as sandhill cranes start to flock to the refuge in huge numbers. That’s when Friends of Bosque holds the annual Festival of Cranes in recognition of the tens of thousands of these magnificent birds that the refuge hosts. The group boasts that this year’s event will be the best yet including, “Over 100 lectures, workshops, tours, hikes and hands-on activities,” which range from art exhibits to photography tours.

The refuge is a dreamland for birders. Over 370 species have been recorded on the grounds. Throughout the year, migratory birds flock to the refuge including pelicans, mallards, and great blue heron. Some birds like snow geese, ducks, and the iconic sand hill crane are so numerous they appear to blanket the river and streams. In a breathtaking spectacle, thousands of feeding birds will erupt in an explosion of flapping wings when frightened by stalking predators.

Observers and photographers can also spot cool animals like bobcats, beaver, coyote, mule deer and a variety of lizards and bats.

Visitors can even enjoy the wildlife from their car on one of the automobile tour routes. The seasonal auto tour route is only open from April-September, closing in the winter to avoid disturbing nesting cranes and eagles.

For information about the refuge’s activities, wildlife and history, stop at the Visitors Center open from 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on weekends.  Guests can purchase souvenirs including T-shirts, baseball caps, stuffed animals and more at the Friends of Bosque’s nature store.

Located in San Antonio, N.M., this accessible paradise of diverse wildlife is an enchanting experience waiting to happen. Answer nature’s call and TAKE REFUGE at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.

Red wolves have returned to North Carolina's wilds.

Eastern North Carolina is home to a rich diversity of wildlife that rivals any other region in the United States, and the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to experience it.

The 150,000-acre refuge was established in 1984 to protect the area’s unique swampy pocosin (sandy or peaty) wetlands and surrounding habitat. It is part of the North Carolina Coastal Plain Refuge Complex, which includes the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The Alligator National Wildlife Refuge manager also oversees Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge, Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.

The small streams and tributaries from the Alligator River and dense vegetation provide ideal habitat for deer, black bears, frogs, alligators, shorebirds and other critters. There is plenty of wildlife to go searching for, and the refuge hosts a number of programs specifically designed to educate visitors and provide the opportunity to experience wildlife up close.

What To Do

One of the premier events held on the refuge (and the surrounding areas) is Wings Over Water. This annual six-day event—held from Nov. 8-13, is highlighted by alligator searches, teaching sessions by wildlife photography experts, and canoe rides including a stop at the famous pirate Blackbeard’s hangout on Ocracoke Island.  Thousands of visitors come out to enjoy the festival.

The Sandy Ridge Trail ambles through cypress swamp and runs alongside the paddling trail. Hikers can often watch kayakers and canoers glide by.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding areas are also the only places in the world where the endangered red wolf lives in the wild. An epic success story, red wolves were declared extinct in the wild in 1980. But in 1987, four captive bred wolves were released into Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Since their return, more than 100 wolves now roam the area, and recent studies confirm that the wolves’ return has helped strengthen the ecosystem.

Black bears forage throughout the refuge.

The refuge hosts Red Wolf Howling Safaris (guided tours where visitors have the chance to hear wolf packs howling in the wild) from April through December–attracting millions of visitors from all over the world.  You can register until Aug. 31 for one of the weekly scheduled summer tours or wait for special events like the Wings Over Water festival, which also includes a “wolf howl”.

Eastern North Carolina also has one of the biggest concentrations of black bears in the country. A special tour provides information about black bears and their habitat followed by an excursion to spot a bear or two on the refuge. But don’t worry, the tour guides will get you back in time for a wolf howling session.

Two hiking trails meander through the wetlands and forest. A kiosk provides info about the refuge and its wildlife at the start of the Creef Cut Wildlife Trail, which has access ramps for wheelchairs and walkers. The trail ends at a massive boardwalk overlooking freshwater marshlands, where waterfowl and shorebirds gather.

The dedicated staff has made this a paradise for nature enthusiast and the refuges natural beauty makes it one of the top destinations for wildlife observers in the country.

The Sandy Ridge Trail ambles through cypress swamp and runs alongside the paddling trail. Hikers can often watch kayakers and canoers glide by. Lucky observers might even spot an alligator swimming in the streams.

American Alligator, Courtesy Ginger Corbin/USFWS

The refuge stands out for its long list of special events, interactive activities, and opportunities for natural observation. Other attractions include a car tour route, overlooks for photography and 15 miles of paddling trails.

The dedicated staff has made this a paradise for nature enthusiast and the refuge’s natural beauty makes it one of the top destinations for wildlife observers in the country.

Go experience all that this amazing place has to offer and TAKE REFUGE at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in Dare and Hyde counties in North Carolina.

Bison were reintroduced to the plains of Colorado in 2007.

At the start of WWII, the U.S. Army purchased grasslands just north of Denver, Colorado and turned them into a chemical weapons testing and manufacturing site–hence the name Arsenal. Today, this area is a safe haven for wildlife. But how did these lands make the turnaround from industrial zone to conservation success story?

After weapons development ceased, an immense environmental cleanup effort began. Poisonous waste products had to be removed  and streams clean of toxic compounds. When nesting bald eagles were found on the site, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service joined the effort. And in 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed legislation designating the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, which today spans some 16,000 acres.

What to Do?

The area was originally short-grass prairie and key habitat for black-tailed prairie dogs, bison and more. The Fish and Wildlife Service is working hard to restore these lands to their natural state, planning to have reseeded nearly 8,000 acres of former crop fields with buffalo grass, blue grama, wild flowers, shrubs and other grasses native to Colorado’s high plains over the next several years.

Today, mule deer, coyote, and black-tailed prairie dogs are common sights.  And since 2007, the mighty bison has once again called this refuge home.

Mule deer graze plains in front of the Denver skyline.

More than nine miles of trails provide opportunities for viewing and photographing the diverse wildlife and scenic landscape. Wildflowers color the vast plains and the majestic Rocky Mountains make a picturesque backdrop. The stunning scenery lends itself to the refuge’s annual photography competition, where the winners’ images are made into official postcards.

One of the primary goals of the refuge is to provide environmental education to the community, particularly younger generations. The refuge hosts hayrides and guided tours to get children up close and interacting with the natural world. The staff also leads programs to help eager Girl and Boy Scouts earn their badges.

The visitor’s center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a great source of information about the refuge’s history, landscape and wildlife. Engaging storytellers at the center’s Ranger Reader Station can spin a good yarn for the youngsters, while adults can take a tour with the refuge’s knowledgeable staff.

As these lands have transformed over the years from farmland to industrial site to wildlife refuge, they’ve developed a rich history that includes remarkable achievements in restoring and safeguarding the natural world.

TAKE REFUGE at the ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE in Commerce City, Colo.

A wood duck's brightly colored plumage makes it easy to spot.

Tualatin means “lazy river” to the Atfalati, an American Indian tribe that flourished along the river’s bank in northern Oregon until the mid-1800s. But the apt name also seems to jive with modern-day Portland’s hippie vibe.

Today, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, situated some 15 miles away from the city’s hustle and bustle, offers downtown urbanites a chance to chillax and enjoy nature.

The 2,000-acre refuge also provides a much needed respite for many a feathered friend journeying along the Pacific flyway from Patagonia in South America to Alaska. Large flocks of Canada geese, northern pintails and mallards can be observed feeding. While some birds take a quick pit stop here, others stay on the refuge to nest in the mix of forest, grassland and wetland habitats.

What to Do

At the new Wildlife Center, visitors can learn about the region’s rich history. The center has indoor and outdoor viewing areas, a nonprofit nature store, and plenty of exhibits to discover more about the lands and animals.

Wildlife here comes and goes with the seasons. In spring, yellowthroats and other songbirds serenade in chorus. In summer, breeding wood ducks make homes in hollow trees and logs near the water. Then, during fall and winter when the river overflows into the grasslands, several new plants and animals arrive. Bald eagles become regular visitors feeding on the abundance of small waterfowl and rodents. And rarer critters, such as the Peregrine falcon and the western pond turtle, can also be spotted on the refuge.

Hiking trails meander along breathtaking views of the refuge.

Deer, beaver, coyote and playful river otters are also a common sight.

Photographers can take great landscape shots from elevated parking areas, and there are plenty of overlooks along the trails to capture wildlife in action. Be sure to check out the information kiosk before hiking to learn about which animals to watch for. And don’t forget to  bring binoculars along.

For the community and the Fish and Wildlife Service, restoring and protecting the native habitats and fish and wildlife along the river basin is the refuge’s primary purpose. To prevent disturbing these creatures, biking is prohibited along the trails.

The refuge is accessible by Tri-Met bus route 12 which drops visitors off right at the main entrance.

With so much to see and learn, we doubt that you’ll feel all that lazy on your visit here. So take some time to answer the call of nature and TAKE REFUGE at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge in Sherwood, Oregon.