Deer refuge invites volunteers to work project

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is “working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.”

Columbian White-tailed Deer require different habitats for survival. These include browse, forage, and cover. Several different tree species can be used for browse and cover on the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge.

“Tree plantings not only benefit the deer, but a variety of other species that are found on the Refuge as well” says biologist Paul Meyers. Dogwood, cottonwood, and willow species are especially useful because you can take cuttings from existing trees and directly plant the stakes into the ground. This saves costs to the refuge but requires a hefty volunteer turn out. The Service would like to invite you to join us on a cutting and planting day around the Refuge to establish new cover and browse for the deer.

"Please meet us at the Refuge office on Friday January 29th, 2016 at 8:30 am to help cut stakes from existing trees and plant them in a new location. All supplies will be provided. Please wear gear appropriate for the weather. This volunteer day will occur rain or shine."

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. Over 42 million people visit refuges each year, generating almost $1.7 billion in sales for regional economies.

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.