Grays Harbor/Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to "administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans." Grays Harbor NWR is a major staging area for shorebirds on their spring migration. Over a millions birds stop to feed in the estuary on the way north. We work with the local community in a variety of ways to share knowledgeable about the natural resources and the value they present for both the health of the environment and possibilities for the local economy. We work with partners on a number of special events including the 3-day long Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival. Through the education program we provided classroom presentations, teacher training and field studies at the Refuge. The Refuge's volunteer program provides a way for community members to be involved in Refuge projects, promotes positive relations in the community, and helps Refuge staff meet the goals of the Refuge.