Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex The Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex includes McNary, Umatilla, Cold Springs and McKay Creek Refuges

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McNary and Umatilla National Wildlife Refuges in Washington and Oregon are seeking public input on proposed waterfowl hu...
06/11/2026

McNary and Umatilla National Wildlife Refuges in Washington and Oregon are seeking public input on proposed waterfowl hunt fee increases on each refuge between June 12 - June 29, 2026. Throughout the past year, refuge staff have worked with local hunters and the community to understand their needs, resulting in the proposal to increase fees to support high quality hunt and recreation experiences. Hunt fees are used to maintain high quality hunting opportunities at the refuge, including by supporting habitat management and access.

The proposed fee increase would occur over a the next two years. The first fee increase would be $3, from $16 to $19 per hunter per day, in Fall 2026, and then would increase to $22 in fall 2027. The fees for federal pass holders and season pass prices would increase proportionally to the daily hunt fee. Youth 17 and under would continue to hunt for free.

Comments can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to McNary NWR, 64 Maple St., Burbank, WA 99323.

Photo Credit: USFWS/Brent Lawrence

GREBE MONITORING TRAINING JUNE 16!Would you be interested in helping to monitor the Western and Clark's Grebe nesting co...
06/04/2026

GREBE MONITORING TRAINING JUNE 16!
Would you be interested in helping to monitor the Western and Clark's Grebe nesting colonies at McNary National Wildlife Refuge? The population of these elegant birds has declined over 80% across their range over the last several decades. Preserving the refuge colonies requires keeping close tabs on how they are doing. The refuge is providing a training event on how to help starting at 9am at the headquarters building (64 Maple St, Burbank, WA). The training also includes a trip out in the field. Please send an email to [email protected] if you are interested in attending.

Photo Credit: Nancy Morrison

05/21/2026

We need your help!! Join us in helping monitor nesting Western and Clark’s Grebes at McNary National Wildlife Refuge and nearby areas. As a volunteer, you’ll count grebe adults, nests and young, and report your findings. Some bird identification experience is helpful. Training will be provided. The project runs from June through August. Scheduling is flexible to fit your availability. Any amount helps! Your involvement is vital to understanding grebe colony size, nest success, distribution, movement, and timing—information that directly supports their conservation. If you're interested or would like more information, please contact Steve Kahl at [email protected]. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful difference for wildlife!

Video Credit: Nancy Morrison

CELEBRATE INVERTEBRATES June 6 at McNary National Wildlife Refuge! Lisa Robinson from the Washington Native Bee Society ...
05/20/2026

CELEBRATE INVERTEBRATES June 6 at McNary National Wildlife Refuge! Lisa Robinson from the Washington Native Bee Society will share information about how to identify and encourage pollinators in our gardens and green spaces, followed by a Catch and Release outdoors to identify some of our native bees. Free and fun for the family! The event goes from 9am to 12pm. Meet at the refuge headquarters at 64 Maple St, Burbank, WA.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the volunteer workday at McNary National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday...
05/18/2026

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the volunteer workday at McNary National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday. We planted 20 Golden Currant and 10 Chokecherry by the observation blind, along with 10 Gray Rabbitbrush by the headquarters building, and made great progress preparing new Heritage Garden beds. We truly appreciate your hard work and dedication! These new plantings will provide valuable habitat for local wildlife and enhance the beauty of our site.

Photo Credit: Steven Kahl/USFWS

Join the Team at McNary National Wildlife Refuge!Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to inspire the next gen...
05/13/2026

Join the Team at McNary National Wildlife Refuge!

Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to inspire the next generation of conservationists? McNary NWR is looking for an enthusiastic Park Ranger (Visitor Services) to join us at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge in Burbank, WA.

As a Park Ranger, you will be the face of the refuge. Your days will be varied, active, and impactful. The position will focus on:

Public Engagement: Staff the visitor center, welcome guests, and lead guided nature walks.

Education & Outreach: Bring nature to the community by leading programs at local schools and parks.

Conservation Support: Help manage the hunter check station during the waterfowl season and assist with habitat restoration and trail maintenance.

If this sounds like something you or someone you know would like to do, please follow this link to apply!
https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-listing?keyword=00802330

Big news for Burrowing Owls at Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge! We installed ten artificial burrow clusters back in 20...
05/13/2026

Big news for Burrowing Owls at Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge! We installed ten artificial burrow clusters back in 2012 to aid this declining species. After more than a decade owls began earnestly using them in 2023 with one nesting pair. Each year the number of pairs has grown, and this year we’ve reached an exciting milestone — five artificial burrows are now occupied by nesting Burrowing Owls, the highest number we’ve ever recorded at Umatilla NWR.

Burrowing Owls used to commonly nest at the refuge as late as the 1980s before wildfires devastated the refuge’s sagebrush steppe habitat. This habitat loss caused the virtual disappearance of ground squirrels and badgers whose holes the owls used to nest in. Thanks to a Wildlife Diversity grant from the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife we will be able to install 7-10 more burrow clusters before next nesting season.

Photo Credit: Darius Maddox/USFWS

VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY – MAY 16!!Come out to McNary National Wildlife Refuge on May 16 from 9AM to 12PM to help us improve...
05/11/2026

VOLUNTEER WORK PARTY – MAY 16!!

Come out to McNary National Wildlife Refuge on May 16 from 9AM to 12PM to help us improve habitat next to our headquarters and along Quail Trail. We have been transitioning areas adjacent to our buildings from irrigated, high-maintenance brush to water-wise, native wildflower and bunchgrass Heritage Gardens. Volunteers will assist with chopping down and removing roots of rose and sumac, installing filter fabric, and laying down gravel for new plantings. Additional tasks include rescuing sagebrush seedlings and planting native shrubs next to the photo blind. We have some tools (pruners, shovels, trowels, rakes) and gloves, but if you could bring your own it will ensure we have enough. Please also dress for the weather and bring your own drinks/snacks.

Sign up by sending an email to [email protected]. THANK YOU!!!

Are you a recent graduate or do you know a recent graduate looking to spend the summer and fall working outdoors on a wi...
05/06/2026

Are you a recent graduate or do you know a recent graduate looking to spend the summer and fall working outdoors on a wildlife refuge? Come join our habitat program as a biological technician through the Student Conservation Association, focusing on invasive species removal, plant surveys, various bird surveys, and much more! For more information and to apply, check out the opportunity on the Student Conservation Association (SCA) website: https://myjobs.adp.com/scacareers/cx/job-listing?keyword=burbank

GUIDED BIRD WALK - MAY 9Got plans this weekend? You should come out for our Second Saturday guided bird walk along the Q...
05/05/2026

GUIDED BIRD WALK - MAY 9
Got plans this weekend? You should come out for our Second Saturday guided bird walk along the Quail Trail at McNary National Wildlife Refuge! May is a great time for birding at the refuge because there is still a variety of waterfowl and we are near the peak of songbird migration. Recent sightings include Black-necked Stilt, American Avocet, Ruddy Duck, Western Kingbird and Bullock’s Oriole. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at 8am at the refuge headquarters at 64 Maple Street, Burbank, WA. Free and fun for the whole family. Beginners welcome!

Western Kingbird Photo Credit: Walt Haerer

Address

64 Maple Street
Burbank, WA
99323

Telephone

+15095468300

Website

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