Learning Resources For Teachers and Group Leaders

While the needs of wildlife are our first priority, – the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, home of the Ankeny Hill Nature Center – also provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy and learn more about our natural world through wildlife compatible activities. The Nature Center is a jumping-off point for connection with nature, exploration, and learning, not the destination.

Resource Links:

In addition to the materials to be available at The Center, our partner organizations also offer a variety of educational resources worth considering as you plan your educational activities.

The Bilingual Preschool Program:

The Ankeny Refuge Bilingual Preschool Program will offer children a high-quality dual language (English/Spanish) learning environment that meets children’s developmental needs while initiating them into a life-long, meaningful relationship with the natural world. Monthly USFWS Ranger-led programs will have songs, storytime, and activity pods, all relating to a nature theme. There will be natural play areas instead of playgrounds. Students will spend time both inside and outside and will have hands-on nature experiences.

Interpretation

Interpretive programs are offered year-round. Check the activity schedule or website for special programs.

Activity Backpack – Check out an activity backpack from the Outdoor Storage Area or the Supply Room. Volunteers can facilitate this task when they’re on duty. Backpacks include:

Adult/Older Child Backpacks

  1. Binoculars, Instruction Page Attached to Case

  2. Monocular

  3. Guidebooks (“Birds of the Willamette Valley Region”)

  4. Sketchbook

  5. Pencils

  6. Pencil Bag

  7. Colored Pencils

  8. Magnify Glass

  9. Activity Pages (Development TBD, Future Integration)

  10. Compass

  11. Backpacks

  12. “Fundanas” Activity (Nature Quest, Wildlife Scat)

  13. Wooden Chips Activity

  14. Nature Circle Activity (Keychain)

  15. Local Resource Folder (Clear Pouch Folder with Zipper)

  16. Information

  17. Measuring Tape

Self-led Hikes – There is a bilingual scavenger hunt activity at the kiosk. Use this on your Refuge adventure. 

Bird Watching – Bird-watching opportunities abound throughout the Refuge. Pick up a bird list brochure – in Spanish or English - at any of the kiosks around the Refuge.

Education Nodes along the Trails – The Oak Overlook is the first education node along the trail and tells the story of the mighty Oregon white oak and the Oak savanna.

Experiencing the Refuge by Car or Bicycle

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is easily accessible by the county rounds surrounding it. There are bike racks at the Ankeny Hill Nature Center. The route around the Refuge is so scenic that there are bike tours annually. Please follow posted speed limit signs and share the road with cyclists. There are pullouts at various wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the Refuge. An observation platform overlooks Eagle Marsh, and there is a long boardwalk trail with a blind at Rail Trail. The Ankeny Refuge trail brochure has a map on the inside. Pick up a copy at the AHNC or from any of the kiosks.

Bicycling

Biking is a popular sport, and riders frequently tour the perimeter of the Refuge. Bicycling is permitted only on county and state roads, not on the Refuge. Bicycles can park their bikes and then access the Refuge on foot and according to the posted rules and regulations. There are bike racks at the Nature Center.

Hiking Trails

Two nested trails start and end at the AHNC. All are accessible (ABA) for people with mobility concerns. The inner trail extends from the outdoor classroom, out around the Nature Discovery Area to the Oak Overlook, the first node along the outer trail. The outer loop goes down to the riparian area, past Peregrine Marsh, and back up to Gehlar Hall. The outer trail distance is around 0.75 miles in length.

Picnicking

The Mark Gehlar Outdoor Classroom doubles as an outdoor eating area when not reserved and/or in use. Use of the space is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please pack out your trash.

Wildlife Observation & Photography

The refuge abounds with wildlife viewing opportunities. A bird checklist is available at kiosks. Hiking trails and the auto tour route allow quick access to scenic areas.

 

Preschool Backpacks (“Pupa Packs”)

  1. Larger Colored Pencils

  2. Monocular

  3. Snake Magnify Class

  4. Color Pages

  5. Sketch Book

  6. Pencils

  7. Pencil Bag

  8. Backpacks (able to fit snake magnify glass)

  9. “Fundanas” Activity (Nature Quest, Wildlife Tracks)

  10. Wood Board Activity

  11. Nature Circle Activity (Keychain)

  12. Local Resource Folder (Clear Pouch Folder with Zipper)

  13. Information, Coloring Pages

  14. Measuring Tape