Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge held its annual Cleanup Day on April 22, coinciding with Earth Day.
Assistant Manager Alisha Haken says the event was well attended, including many volunteers who return year after year to help.
Volunteers checked in at the visitor center, selected a route, received a safety briefing, and then headed out to pick up trash along roadsides and at key gathering areas across the refuge such as the visitor center grounds and the Chippewa Picnic Area.
Participants worked both in groups and individually, equipped with safety vests, litter pickers, rakes, and orange garbage bags.
The visitor center is expected to open to the public in mid-May, while the Blackbird drive-through route is already open.
Wildlife activity is increasing across the refuge, with waterfowl such as Trumpeter swans, Canada geese, and a variety of ducks now present, along with Loons. Golden-winged Warblers and wild turkeys have also been spotted. Haken encourages the public to visit around an hour before sunset to hear the Woodcocks.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to serve as a breeding ground and sanctuary for migratory birds and a wide range of other wildlife. There is no entrance fee or parking permit required to visit the refuge.
Photos By Karen Downing
Photos By Karen Downing