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Description:
The Willamette Valley was once a rich mix of wildlife habitats. Valley wetlands were once extensive, with meandering stream channels and vast seasonal marshes. Today, the valley is a mix of farmland and growing cities, with fewer areas remaining for wildlife. Ankeny NWR was created to provide vital wintering habitat for dusky Canada geese. Unlike other Canada geese, duskies have limited summer and winter ranges. They nest on Alaska's Copper River Delta and winter almost exclusively in the Willamette Valley. Habitat loss, predation, and hunting have caused a decrease in population. Located in the Willamette Valley, Ankeny NWR contains about 2,800 acres of flat to gently rolling land near the confluence of the Willamette and Santiam rivers. The refuge's fertile farmed fields, hedgerows, forests, and wetlands provide a variety of wildlife habitats.The refuge is open to limited opportunities for wildlife-oriented education and recreation. Ducks, geese, and swans are commonly seen in refuge fields and ponds through the fall and winter. Ankeny residents, like the northern saw-whet owl, attract area bird watchers. Directions:
Travel north 10 miles from Albany, Oregon, or south 12 miles from Salem, Oregon, on Interstate 5. Take exit 243, Ankeny Hill Rd., and drive west a quarter of a mile to an intersection. Turn right at the intersection and proceed 1.5 miles on Ankeny Hill Rd. to the information kiosk and wildlife viewing area.
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