Turnbull Wildlife Refuge hosts annual restoration event

CHENEY – The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will host their annual community-supported restoration efforts at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge this fall, and they need volunteers.

These efforts play a crucial role in the mission of conserving, protecting, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats.

This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will coincide with National Wildlife Refuge Week and National Public Lands Day.

The theme for this year, “Together for Tomorrow,” emphasizes collective action to safeguard America’s natural resources, according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s press release.

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in various activities, including trail maintenance and tree planting, contributing to the stewardship of the nation’s natural heritage.

Molly Dixon, a Wildlife Biologist at Turnbull, highlights the importance of this work: “Less than 1% of the Refuge’s habitat is aspen or deciduous shrub-land, reflecting a significant decline from its historical levels. Through these restoration efforts, we aim to return the landscape to a more balanced distribution of habitat types, which will support forest-dependent wildlife.”

Volunteers will assist refuge staff in planting native trees such as aspen, hawthorn, service-berry, and cottonwood across various locations in the refuge. This initiative has been a cornerstone of Turnbull’s conservation efforts for over 20 years.

Additionally, volunteers can help support local pollinators by dispersing milkweed seeds and transplanting milkweed rhizomes in the pollinator garden maintained by the Friends of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge.

The event is family-friendly and open to all ages. Large groups are welcome with prior notice. Participants are advised to wear appropriate clothing, including long pants and closed-toe shoes, and to bring their own food and water. All necessary equipment, including gloves, will be provided by the refuge staff. No prior experience is required to take part.

Contact Turnbull to register for this event.