Ever wondered what it's like to step into a landscape sculpted by ancient floods, teeming with unique wildlife, and offering a chance to connect with nature unlike anywhere else? The Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary established in 1937, invites you to discover just that.

Spanning over 23,000 acres in eastern Washington, this remarkable refuge, initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, stands as a testament to the power of conservation. It's a place where the echoes of the Ice Age still resonate, where the channeled scablands a landscape shaped by colossal glacial floods create a haven for a diverse array of flora and fauna. This isn't just another nature reserve; it's an ecosystem so distinctive that it sets itself apart on a global scale, boasting characteristics that truly make it one-of-a-kind within the National Wildlife Refuge system.

Feature	Details
Location	Eastern Washington, on the edge of the Columbia River Basin, six miles (10 km) south of Cheney, Washington, in Spokane County.
Establishment	1937, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Size	Over 23,000 acres (9,300 ha)
Ecosystem Type	Channeled Scablands
Key Habitats	Ponderosa pine forests, wetlands, meadow steppe, and riparian areas
Primary Purpose	To protect and enhance wildlife and their habitats.
Unique Features	The channeled scablands ecosystem is unique within the National Wildlife Refuge System and worldwide; it protects a portion of the channeled scablands formed by glacial floods.
Accessibility	5.5-mile auto route, 11 miles of trails (including Stubblefield and Bluebird Trails), interpretive kiosks, and a small store.
Visitor Activities	Birding, hiking, walking, wildlife viewing, and nature photography.
Visitor Information	Open to families, individuals, and groups of all ages; accessible via 26010 S Smith Rd, Cheney, WA 99004. Visitors are encouraged to bring a water bottle and dress appropriately for the weather. A shovel is optional.
Conservation Efforts	Habitat preservation, restoration, research, education, and compatible public uses are all central to the mission of the refuge and the Friends of Turnbull.
Organization Supporting the Refuge	The Friends of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, a non-profit organization
Recent Projects (Winter 2023)	Funding for two projects: the seasonal FWS Biology Technician.
Trail Highlights	AllTrails lists nine trails for birding, walking, and hiking.

The very fabric of this landscape is woven with stories of the past, offering visitors a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The channeled scablands, a geological marvel, tell tales of the colossal ice age floods that carved out the terrain, leaving behind a unique and striking environment. Here, you'll find a mosaic of diverse habitats: sweeping ponderosa pine forests, lush wetlands, open meadow steppes, and verdant riparian zones. This mix supports an extraordinary variety of plant and animal life, creating an ideal place to be explored and observed.

For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge provides an unparalleled experience. The refuge is a haven for waterfowl and migratory birds, providing a vital breeding habitat and a critical stopover for birds traversing long distances. The area is teeming with life throughout the year, each season offering new wonders and sightings for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. This makes it a superb location for birding, where keen observers can look forward to the chance to encounter various bird species.

Visitors are welcomed to the refuge in eastern Washington on the edge of the Columbia River Basin, a place easily accessible by auto route of 5.5 miles. The route carves a comfortable undulating loop for hikers, providing a chance to enjoy the scenery in a relaxed setting. This gives visitors an intimate way to navigate the varied landscapes, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely walk, adventurous hike, or a family outing. For more active visitors, the refuge boasts 11 miles of trails that beckon exploration. These pathways, most of which are relatively short, provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the refuge's natural beauty.

The commitment to conservation is at the heart of Turnbull's existence. The refuge is not just a place to visit; it's a testament to the dedication of those who work to preserve and enhance the environment. The Friends of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, a non-profit organization, plays a key role in supporting the refuge's mission. Through education, research, habitat preservation, and compatible public uses, the organization helps ensure that the wildlife and their habitats thrive. Projects like funding a seasonal FWS biology technician shows the practical efforts that keep this ecosystem in good condition. The friends also actively support the habitat, fire, and elk management programs that are put in place. Their initiatives further reflect the commitment to protecting and enriching the area's ecological integrity.

As you explore the refuge, youll notice interpretive kiosks and a small store at the park's headquarters, allowing you to learn more about the animals that call this sanctuary home. The park encourages visitors of all ages to come and enjoy the trails and the overall experience, reminding us of the importance of conservation.

The Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is a place where history, nature, and conservation converge. It's an invitation to step outside of the everyday, to discover the beauty of the channeled scablands, and to reflect on the importance of preserving these unique landscapes for generations to come. Whether you're looking for an adventurous hike, a family outing, or a moment of quiet reflection in nature, Turnbull offers something for everyone. From its establishment in 1937, the refuge stands as a tribute to the vision of those who understand that the preservation of our natural spaces is essential for the well-being of both the environment and the people who enjoy it.

The Friends of Turnbull Presidents Report from Winter 2023 highlights the preparations for spring, underscoring the ongoing efforts to keep the refuge vibrant and engaging for all. To truly appreciate the unique attributes of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, one must visit the location on the eastern edge of the Columbia Basin, in Spokane County, Northeastern Washington. Consider bringing a water bottle and dress appropriately for the weather when you decide to go. The diverse environment, with its basalt outcrops, flood eroded channels, and ponderosa pine forests is a sight to behold. The 130 plus marshes, wetlands, and lakes are just some of the things that make this a must-see spot.

To find the best trails in Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, and for further information, visit the official website of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. With a bit of planning and an appreciation for nature, your trip to the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge will be truly memorable.

The refuge's address is 26010 S Smith Rd, Cheney, WA 99004.

The refuge is open to the public and welcomes visitors of all ages. It's an ideal place to enjoy nature, learn about wildlife, and contribute to conservation efforts.

You can find more information on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, and at the local visitor centers. A visit to Turnbull promises to be both educational and inspirational, solidifying its place as a jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge system.

Image of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge 1003855

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A bull moose is walking in tall grass at Turnbull Wildlife Refuge in

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Wetlands Of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge Stock Photo Alamy

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