Ankeny Hill
Nature Center
Welcome to the
A Natural Destination for
Learning About Nature
Take a Quick Look Around the Nature Center
Take a look at this short video to get some ideas about the many ways to explore the Nature Center.
Our Emphasis Areas
From its opening in 2022, the Ankeny Hill Nature Center developed its programs and activities focused on three areas of emphasis.
Education
Education is our primary focus!
Visitors will find engaging ways to explore and learn about nature using our classrooms and hands-on interpretation.
Community
We are a public gathering space!
Our volunteers and staff work to build better connections with regional groups and individuals through inclusive programs using bilingual communications when possible.
Science Discovery
How is science a part of our lives?
Whether it's contributing to climate science or tracking migratory birds, you will learn something with each visit.
Ankeny Hill Nature Center Highlights
Gehlar Hall
Classrooms
The main building of the Nature Center grounds includes an indoor and outdoor classroom, Motus Migration terminal, and restroom facilities.
David B. Marshall
Outdoor Classroom
This unique learning space, perched on the edge of Peregrine Marsh, provides covered access to observe wildlife activity.
Abundant
Wildlife
Located along the Pacific Flyway, the Nature Center area provides shelter to many geese and other species.
Accessible
Hiking Trails
We have groomed trails through restored upland native prairie acreage, with access to many areas of the Nature Center.
Interpretive
Sites
The Oak Overlook is an Interpretive Site with
a great view that celebrates the Kalapuya, who have been here since time immemorial. This is Kalapyuan Land.
Nature Explore
Area
Learning can be fun, and the Nature Explore Area has many ways to climb, jump, hide, and discover the outdoors.
How to Visit
The Nature Center
The facilities are located in the northeastern area of the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, about 20 miles south of downtown Salem in rural Marion County, Oregon.
The main gate at 130 Ankeny Road SE, Jefferson, is about six minutes west of the Ankeny Hill Road SE exit from I-5 or about one minute east of the Ankeny Hill Road SE intersection with Liberty Road S. and Buena Vista Road S.
A second gate at Peregrine Marsh is near the same intersection on Buena Vista Road S. Our buildings are easily seen from these locations.
Hours - Dawn to Dusk, Daily
Illustration published with permission of Steph Littlebird
The Significance of Our Location
The Ankeny Hill Nature Center is situated in the heart of the homeland of the Kalapuya, the traditional stewards of the lands surrounding the Willamette and Umpqua River Valleys.
This is Kalapuyan Land. Kalapuya Ilihi ukuk inChinuk wawa.
The Kalapuya have lived here since time immemorial. Tragically, after settlers arrived, malaria killed 95% of the Kalapuya. Those who survived were forcibly removed from their lands. Forever resilient, Kalapuya descendants today are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians. Read more and learn more:
“Joy in looking and comprehending
is Nature’s most beautiful gift.”
— Albert Einstein
Make the Joy of Nature Possible
With a Donation Supporting
The Ankeny Hill Nature Center