Written by Jill Bachman, Friends of Malheur NWR Crane’s Nest Manager
Cover photo of Jill with Volunteer Eileen Loerch and Puddles the Blue Goose
Looking back at the last year, being the Manager of the Crane’s Nest Nature Center & Store has been nothing short of amazing. I feel extremely grateful that I have been able to witness a full year at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. From the grandeur of the spring migration to the arrival of summer songbirds and being able to see all the baby birds emerging from their nests to the reappearance of the birds from spring for the fall Migration and now seeing the skies speckled with all the Canada, Ross and Snow Geese. Not to mention being Nuttall’s cottontail. Photo by Max Rae
able to drive to work every day down “Raptor Alley.” Also, one can’t forget the notable appearance of the Belding’s ground squirrels, cottontails, deer, coyote and even the rare appearance of a badger in daylight digging one of their telltale holes in the yard. I do not have a history of being a birder, but it did not take long for me to become entranced by their sweet little souls and all of the other critters who also find themselves on the Refuge.
Even more memorable than all the wildlife here to see and enjoy on a daily basis, I got to meet some of the best people in the world, our volunteers and Refuge visitors! I was blown away by all our amazing volunteers this year. I’m inspired by how much they love the Malheur Refuge and how they continue to donate their time to making this place even more magical than it already is. I am honored to be able to help lead them and work with them and know that they are now life-long friends.
I absolutely loved being able to meet all the visitors that came into the store. Whether they were here for directions, suggestions of where to see birds, or to make a purchase, it always brightened my day to connect with like-minded people who love this place like I do. I also need to mention all the Friends of Malheur Refuge. Our membership numbers grew at an incredible pace this year, and it is because of all our members that we are able to do the work we do. While the store is closed for the season, I am busy working on getting it stocked back up and looking forward to March 1, 2025.
My wish is to continue to work with the momentum from 2024 in increasing sales and memberships which enables FOMR’s support of the Refuge. We had an amazing year, and while I have learned a lot so far, I will continue to learn and improve the store in order to provide the support Malheur WNR needs to keep it the Jewel of the Pacific Flyway.
Sun rising to the east of Marshall Pond adjacent to the Crane’s Nest Nature Center & Store at Refuge Headquarters.
I am not sure how I was lucky enough to be chosen for this job, but I am grateful for it every day!
Written by Janelle Wicks, Friends Director Cover photo of yellow-headed blackbirds, red-winged black birds, and common grackle at Crane’s Nest feeder by Dan Streiffert There are approximately 567 National...
We are thrilled to announce that we are the 2024 recipients of the National Wildlife Refuge Association's (NWRA) prestigious O'Brian Prize. This award is distributed annually to one or...
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Harney County Migratory Bird Festival set for April 11-14, 2024 Open your schedule and plan for some fun! Registration opens February 14th, 2024. Here are some highlights: Tours: We...
OCT 2005. By summer’s end a new sign was up along Hwy 78 directing visitors toward Malheur Refuge at the Hwy 205 junction near the Poison Creek Grange Hall....
Friends of Malheur Refuge was founded in 1999 to promote the conservation and appreciation of natural and cultural resources at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
