Mission Statement
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is a place to discover an ever-changing panorama of wildlife. As the seasons change, so do the wildlife viewing opportunities. Located on the Pacific Flyway, the Refuge is an important stopover where migrating waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds stop to rest, refuel, and raise their young.
The Refuge is one of 540 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System-a network of lands and waters set aside specifically for wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the System is a living heritage, conserving fish, wildlife and their habitats for future generations.
We encourage you to explore the beauty of this area and stop, look, and listen to the abundant wildlife that call it home.
Description
Located on the outskirts of Portland, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is one of only a handful of urban national wildlife refuges in the country. Established in 1992, the Refuge is situated within the floodplain of the Tualatin River, the Refuge comprises less than 1% of the 712 square mile watershed. Yet, due to it's richness and diversity of habitats, the Refuge supports some of the most abundant and varied wildlife in the watershed.
The Refuge is now home to nearly 200 species of birds, over 50 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles and amphibians, and a wide variety of insects, fish and plants. Refuge habitats are varied and include rivers and streams, seasonal and forested wetlands, riparian areas, grasslands, and forested uplands.
The Refuge has also become a place where people can experience and learn about wildlife and the places they call home. It is also a place where wildlife comes first so think of yourself as a visitor to their home.
