On the Refuge: It’s a world away from the cars rushing by

"It was September and there was a crackly feeling to the air." - Carolyn Parkhurst

Have you driven on Highway 99W to Sherwood and seen the sign for the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge? You think that someday you will stop to see what is on the hill above the highway. It's a world away from the cars rushing by.

The TRNWR is one of only a handful of urban national wildlife refuges in the country. It is situated within the floodplain of the Tualatin River and comprises less than 1% of the 712-square-mile watershed. Yet, due to its richness and diversity of habitats, the refuge supports some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the watershed.

Take the turn into the refuge and another world greets you.

The refuge is an urban respite for many visitors -- close to home but an escape from the traffic and urban noise. Take the trail out to the Tualatin River overlook or the wetlands observation deck and the noise from the highway slips away. Slow down and listen for the songs and sounds of birds moving through the trees. If you arrive early, look for deer and fawns moving quietly along the trail, or perhaps a coyote watching you. Take a moment to relax and look out over the river slowly moving on its way to meet the Willamette River.

Sometimes all we need are peaceful moments to refresh and renew our minds.

September is the last opportunity to walk the seasonal trail; it will close Oct. 1 until May 1 to provide sanctuary for wintering waterfowl. The year-round trail is always open and offers an easy walk to the river overlook.

Stop by the visitor center, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday – Sunday and enjoy the view overlooking the refuge. If you need a rest, chairs and spotting scopes are available by the window. Browse Nature's Overlook and find a gift (Christmas is coming) for someone or yourself. The store sells gift items with a nature theme, books, field guides and clothing.

Puddle Stompers: 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 11

Join us to learn about dragonflies. 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, although registration is required at www.fws.gov/refuge/tualatin-river/events.

For more information, email us at tualatinriver@fws.gov or call us at 503-625-5944.