Willapa National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willapa National Wildlife Refuge |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
|
|
 |
|
 Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Pacific County, Washington, United States |
| Nearest city | Ocean Park, Washington |
| Area | 11,000 acres (45 km2) |
| Established | 1937 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | Willapa National Wildlife Refuge |
The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is a special place in Washington, United States. It's found right on the edge of Willapa Bay. This refuge protects a huge area of nature, about 11,000 acres (45 square kilometers).
It includes many different types of land. You can find sandy beaches and dunes here. There are also muddy areas called mudflats. The refuge has grasslands and different kinds of marshes. Some marshes have saltwater, and others have freshwater. You will also see thick forests with tall evergreen trees.
Part of the refuge is Long Island. This island has very old forests. These forests are filled with ancient Western red cedar and hemlock trees. The refuge was created in 1937 to protect these important natural areas.
Contents
Discover the Wildlife and Habitats at Willapa
The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge protects many unique natural places. These include salty marshes and muddy tideflats. You can also find forests that get a lot of rain. Plus, there are coastal dunes and beaches. Along the southern shore of Willapa Bay, you will see freshwater marshes and open grasslands.
Amazing Animals You Might See
Visitors to the refuge can spot many different kinds of animals. You might see large Roosevelt elk roaming around. Black bears also live here. Many types of shorebirds visit the refuge. You can also see salmon swimming upstream to lay their eggs.
Protecting Rare and Endangered Species
The refuge is a safe home for several animals that are rare or in danger. These include the snowy plover, a small bird that lives on beaches. Marbled murrelets, a type of seabird, also find shelter here. The brown pelican, a large coastal bird, is another important resident.
Many other birds are often seen throughout the refuge. Look for majestic bald eagles flying overhead. You might also spot tall great blue herons fishing. Fast peregrine falcons and soaring red-tailed hawks are common. Smaller birds like marsh wrens and golden-crowned kinglets also live here.
Managing and Protecting the Refuge
The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge faces special challenges. Some parts of the refuge are untouched and beautiful. But other areas need a lot of help to be restored. This is especially true for places that were recently added to the refuge.
The refuge has many different types of habitats. These range from ocean beaches to calm bay mudflats. It also has old, untouched forests and open grassy meadows. The refuge works hard to protect animals that are in danger. They also try to restore habitats for many other species. Like many natural areas, Willapa NWR also deals with plants and animals that are not native and can harm the environment.
