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Party
time -
Lower
Klamath
refuge celebrates 100 years
By
STEVE KADEL
H&N
Staff Writer
 |
|
A
congregation of of American wigeon float in open water near
State Line Road
in the |
It’s
almost party time for the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge.
The nation’s oldest waterfowl refuge is getting ready for a series of
celebrations throughout the year to mark its 100th anniversary. Things
kick off Jan. 29 with the Winter Refuge Raptor Rally, which is designed
as an ideal introduction to refuge raptors for families and novice
birdwatchers.
Species watch
What species is on center stage these days?
More
than 200 distinctive birds have been spotted in area
“Far and away the biggest attraction is bald eagles,” said Dave Menke, outdoor recreation planner for the refuge.
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A group of bald eagles at the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. H&N photo by Andrew Mariman |
He
said more than 200 of the distinctive birds have been spotted throughout
the lower refuge, with many visible from
Information about the raptor rally and events to
follow through the winter, spring and summer will be available starting
Jan. 15 at the
Raptor Rally
Those attending the Winter Refuge Raptor Rally will
learn about raptor identification, habits, and the habitats where the
birds are found. There’s no fee for the day-long event, and Menke said
they will accommodate as many people as show up.
Participants
should meet at 8:15 a.m. at the Lower Klamath refuge entrance parking
area on Stateline Road about 12 miles east of Highway 97. The field trip
will begin at
Those who plan to attend should bring a sack lunch,
drinks, warm clothing and binoculars. The event lasts until
Bald eagles aren’t the only attraction at the
refuge. Other species are golden eagles; American white pelicans;
whitefaced ibis; snow, Ross, white-fronted and
In addition to
“They’re wowed by it,” Menke said.
Side
Bar
History of the
President Theodore Roosevelt established the Lower
Klamath National Wildlife Refuge on Aug. 8, 1908, as the nation’s
first refuge set aside specifically for migratory waterfowl and other
marsh birds.
The refuge encompasses nearly 51,000 acres with a mix
of shallow freshwater marches, open water, grassy uplands, and croplands
that are managed to provide feeding, resting, nesting and brood rearing
habitat for waterfowl and other water birds.
Check the refuge’s Web site at www.fws.gov/klamathbasinrefuges for
details about each month’s program, and for possible changes in the
schedule.
Several
celebratory events planned at refuge
Celebrations
are planned each month throughout the year to honor the Lower Klamath
National Wildlife Refuge’s centennial.
“Lower Klamath Refuge is a true national treasure
and we have scheduled events that will highlight everything we have to
offer,” said Ron Cole, manager of the Klamath Basin National Wildlife
Refuges.
Among
the activities:
Jan. 26:
Winter Refuge Raptor Rally. Teams of observers will view raptors on the
Feb. 15-17:
Winter Wings Festival. Included are many field trips for wildlife
observation and photography at
March 22:
Tour of
April 19:
History tour of Capt. Jack’s Stronghold and Japanese internment camp.
May 17:
May 30-June 1:
Weekend tour to Malheur Refuge. Visit Klamath’s sister refuge, which
also celebrates its centennial in 2008.
Aug. 8
: Employees and Friends Centennial Celebration. Past employees, friends
and supporters of the
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