Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is located in the state of Oregon and is a great place to visit for nature lovers.


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Summary

The refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, amphibians, and mammals. Visitors can explore the refuge by hiking on scenic trails, fishing in the ponds, or taking a wildlife drive.

One of the main points of interest at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is the extensive wetland areas that provide habitat for a variety of bird species, including American coots, mallards, and wood ducks. The refuge also has several viewing platforms that offer excellent opportunities to observe wildlife up close.

Another interesting fact about Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is that it was established in the 1960s as a result of habitat loss due to agricultural development. Today, the refuge is managed to provide important habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The best time of year to visit Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall migration seasons when thousands of birds stop over at the refuge on their way to and from breeding grounds. However, the refuge is open year-round and offers a unique experience no matter what time of year you visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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