”I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” — John Burroughs
Summer is just getting started and it’s time for a walk, birdwatching, a quiet contemplation of all things nature, and anything else you feel like doing. The refuge is the place to do it all.
If you’re looking for a “nature break”, visit the refuge. It’s not too far from home but far enough away from the city to give you a place to relax and let nature take over your mind and body.
Take a walk or sit quietly on a bench in the forest and listen. Tune into to the many sounds around you. You will hear insects calling. You will hear the calls and songs of birds, each having its own distinctive sound. Look along the trail as you walk and you may see the tracks of coyotes or raccoons. Flattened grassy areas are an indication that black-tail deer may have slept there the night before.
If you want to know more about the birds and wildlife that you see on the refuge, stop by Nature’s Overlook in the Wildlife Center. Volunteers are available to answer your questions, point out birds through a spotting scope or suggest a helpful book or guide to learn more about nature. The center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday.
New in the Nature Store
The “Habitats and Species Guide” provides a wealth of information about the Refuge including photos, about the life and the environment visitors may experience on the refuge. Find the guide in notebooks at the Refuge Headquarters, the Visitor Center, and online at friendsoftualatinrefuge.org/Habitat-Species-Guide . The online guide includes references to the authors’ sources following each habitat and species article. Ask for a Watchable Wildlife brochure at the Visitor Center. Currently this guide only has information about birds, but additional species and habitats will be added.
Puddle Stompers: 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 12
Join us to learn about snakes. Activities include story time, nature crafts and a short walk on our trail.
Puddle Stompers programs are designed for kids 2 to 5 years old. Children’s rain coats and boots are available to borrow. This popular kids’ activity is free. Registration is required at www.fws.gov/refuge/tualatin-river/events. Please email us at tualatinriver@fws.gov or call us at 503-625-5944 with any questions.
The birds are back and brews are flowing
The Friends of the Refuge are thrilled to announce the return of their popular fundraiser, Brews for the Birds. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates local brews, music, and our feathered friends.
The festival takes place 4-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, outdoors at Langer’s Entertainment in Sherwood.
What’s on tap?
Local Brews, Ciders, and Seltzers: Quench your thirst and support local breweries while benefiting the Friends of the Refuge.
Music Headliners: Get grooving to the soulful sounds of Portland blues legend Lloyd Jones Struggle and the infectious rhythms of Zydeco favorites Swamp Thang.
Bring the whole family for a day of entertainment and environmental appreciation.
Support our cause
Sponsorship opportunities: Partner with the Friends and showcase your brand to a dedicated community.
Vendor market: Applications are open for Friday night and Saturday festival markets. Showcase your unique products and connect with festival attendees
A huge thank you to Langer’s for their support.
Honoring our local women veterans: A special event at the Tualatin River Refuge
Friends’ Executive Director Bonnie Anderson, in collaboration with Jessica Bradley, the Woman’s Veterans’ Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, is proud to announce a special event honoring our local women veterans. This event coincides with the anniversary of the signing of the 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act by President Truman, a landmark moment in American history.
Are you a woman veteran interested in learning more? Visit the ODVA website at www.oregon.gov/odva for more information.
The event will be held on Saturday, June 15, at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge. Activities and details are still being finalized, but we promise a day filled with recognition and celebration for these courageous women and their families. Refuge staff is also busy assisting with the details.
We, at the Friends of the Tualatin River Refuge, are honored to partner with the ODVA to create a memorable experience for our local women veterans.
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