October is celebrating national refuge month

National wildlife refuges managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been part of Americans’ rich natural heritage since 1903, when President Theodore Roosevelt established the first national wildlife refuge on Pelican Island, Fl.

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge Complex — which includes Stillwater, Fallon and Anaho Island NWR — is a proud part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the nation’s premier public network of lands and water dedicated to habitat and wildlife conservation. The nation’s 563 national wildlife refuges offer visitors unique opportunities to fish, hunt, hike or see and photograph iconic wildlife in its natural setting.

Even in a drought year, refuges have a unique way to hold onto moisture with highly specialized plants and soils, which can help clean our air, filter our water, teach our children and support local economies. Stillwater NWR offers something for anyone wanting that ‘getting away from it all’ experience throughout the year.

This year however, due to limited water on the refuge, hunting, birdwatching and other wildlife-dependent recreation is more challenging. The public tour route around Foxtail Lake is closed until Monday to lessen disturbance to migratory birds during the start of waterfowl hunt season. The remainder of the refuge is open, but check for updates in the refuge information kiosk or the main office in Fallon before heading out.

Stillwater NWR Complex is offering a traveling exhibit and a monarch butterfly workshop in the Fallon area, to recognize National Wildlife Refuges during October. The exhibit includes a colorful history of the refuge system display, refuge highlight video, handouts, kids coloring books, Fall/Winter guided tour signups, refuge maps, litter bags and suggested points of interest to plan future refuge visits.

The exhibit is scheduled at the following locations:

October 12–23: US Bank, 2197 Casey Rd, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

October 23–31: Churchill Co. Museum,Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.