At one time, the larger Salem area was a sprawling oasis of oak savannas, wide prairies, and densely wooded areas. It was home to thousands of plant species, from the blue-hued, star-shaped Camas to the bright yellow Oregon Grape. It hosted an ecosystem of insects, from the common fly to earwigs to pill bugs, and, according to the Oregon Bee Project, over 700 different kinds of bees. In that diverse system, the bugs fed on the abundant plant life, and birds of all stripes thrived on the plentiful bugs.
With industry development, an increase in home building, and expansions of various other land-use activities over the years, the natural habitat for plants and wildlife decreased dramatically. Thanks to local reclamation efforts by concerned citizens, our area is fast becoming a favorite nesting spot for hundreds of different bird species from finches to warblers to hummingbirds once again.
The Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
Bringing back the area’s native plants and attracting its birds, The Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is located 12 miles south of Salem and ten miles north of Albany. It is one of three Willamette Valley National Wildlife Complex refuges. The other two are Baskett Slough near Dallas and William J. Finley in Corvallis. The Ankeny Hill Wildlife Refuge trails can be accessed from many entrances and provides several parking spaces. This map makes it pretty clear. The refuge is a favorite location for birdwatchers in the Willamette Valley, where they can view shorebirds and waterfowl, songbirds of many colors, bald eagles and other birds of prey.
The Willamette Valley is a preferred wintering location for the Dusky Canada Goose, and the 2,796-acre Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge was created during the 1960’s for their use. Other species of Canada geese winter at the refuge, as do several other migrating species of birds. During the wintering season, most of the interior of the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is closed off to the public, but two boardwalks and some viewing areas are open year-round, making it a prime area for bird watching. A bird-spotting checklist is available at the kiosk near the parking lot off Ankeny Hill Road.
The Ankeny Hill Nature Center
The Ankeny Hill Nature Center (AHNC) was opened in 2022 as a means of educating the public about nature and its importance to our future. The AHNC came about thanks to many contributions of time and/or money. A generous donation was bequeathed from Mark Gehlar in 2004, the Salem Audobon Society, the Friends of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Complex, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, have all given generously to the AHNC.
The Center has an indoor classroom, a small covered picnic area with four tables, and public restrooms. AHNC hosts learning opportunities for children and adults alike as they stroll a meandering path where they can explore different learning stations and experience nature. They will find bridges and tunnels within the explore area, listen to meadowlarks sing, and follow the paths of migratory birds. There are live mason bees to watch, as well as beetles and hummingbirds in the Pollinator Patch during the spring, summer, and fall months. Stenciling and coloring activities are available, and many bilingual (English and Spanish) signs are posted throughout the Center for identification and exploration.
There is usually a volunteer available on-site at the AHNC to answer questions. Throughout the year, the Nature Center hosts many family-friendly learning activities and workshops, such as summer field trips around the refuge or Minto-Brown Park to view wildlife. In the fall, there is a migratory bird celebration, and in the winter, an official Salem Christmas Bird count, winter wildlife field days, and field trips to other parks for wildlife viewing.
Outdoor Classroom Above the Marsh
Just completed this year along the Big Loop Trail (.65 mile) of the AHNC is the David B. Marshall Outdoor Classroom. Marshall was a biologist with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and co-author of “Birds of Oregon” (2003). He helped create all of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuges. Along the interior walls of the outdoor classroom are wooden slides exploring the natural habitat of the marsh below.
Visitors can walk through the rear of the classroom and stand directly over the marsh to get a close view of ducks, frogs, and other wildlife. Following the Big Loop Trail back to the classroom, visitors will walk past a wide prairie of native plants teeming with various species of insects. If unnoticed on the short walk to the outdoor classroom, perhaps now the visitors will see the various birds flitting about and dining on a smorgasbord.
On July 27 at 11 a.m., the center will present Oregon Odonata, including a history of the dragonfly and the damselfly, their life cycle and diet, and more.
Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge
130 Ankeny Hill RD SE, Jefferson
541.757.7236
