Refuge invites volunteers for cleaning

Staff at the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer are inviting people to join them in cleaning up debris dumped around the refuge.

A cleaning day is scheduled July 9, 2015 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m ., or for however long people want to stay. Efforts will focus on cleaning up the Steamboat Slough and Brooks Slough roads as well as the White-tail Trail and the wildlife viewing site on SR 4.

Every year in Washington State, over 12 million pounds of "stuff" are tossed and blown onto interstate, state, and county roads. Another 6 million pounds are tossed in parks and recreation areas. In 2014, Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties picked up a total of 96,432 pounds of litter (Washington Department of Ecology, 2015).

Adopt-A-Road or Trail groups are needed on the Refuge. People are invited to volunteer time and help to support the community, wildlife, and the refuge. Trash bags, safety vests and gloves will be provided by the refuge.

“We want people to enjoy wildlife observation, photography, and the great outdoors without having to look through a pile of aluminum cans, takeout containers and other litter items," said Biological Technician Kate Brenner. "This roadside cleanup around the refuge will help keep these areas clean for both people and wildlife”

Those who can’t make it July 9 but who still want to help out on the refuge may contact the office about any of these upcoming service opportunities:

--July 13 and August 18 – Adopt-A-Wildwood: Clear around new tree plantings to optimize growth (2-6 hrs/yr).

--July 21 and August 5 – Fencing and Protector Removal: Remove fences and tree protectors of restored riparian forests (4-8hrs/mo).

--July 29 and August 19 – Multispecies Survey: Survey the refuge for a variety of wildlife. Participants must be able to bird by ear (~4 hrs/survey).

Julia Butler Hansen, Willapa, and Lewis & Clark National Wildlife refuges are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a nationwide network of lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service specifically for wildlife.

For more information about these events or Julia Butler Hansen Refuge for Columbian White-tailed Deer contact us at willapa@fws.gov or 360-795-3915 or visit: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/julia_butler_hansen.