Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

09/02/2026

Unfortunate news! Thank you for all of your support with our refuge.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is mourning federal wildlife officer David Taylor, 38 of Scio, Oregon, who is believed to have died while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire.

Officer Taylor was going door to door alongside local emergency crews helping families get to safety. His last contact with dispatch came while he was helping a family evacuate their home. Evidence recovered from a structure where he was working to help a resident escape indicates that he died during the evacuation effort. Formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.

Everything we know about David's actions reflects extraordinary courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, fellow officers and all who served alongside him. We will never forget his service.

08/28/2026

Don't forget Fashion a Fish is tomorrow!

Join us at Cherokee City-County Library for the Fashion a Fish activity on August 29 from 10-11am. It is free to attend and is open to all ages. First, we will learn about different animal adaptations then everyone will create their own species of fish with play-doh.

Thank you, Schaun and Sherri, for making fun examples!

Photos: Schaun's parrot fish with a cracker and Sherri's Deep-Sea Martini fish

08/26/2026

Do you remember boating on the lake?

About 40 to 50 years ago, Great Salt Plains Lake was the place to be! Thousands of people would travel from all over to boat, swim, ski and camp. Today the water levels are too shallow, making it difficult to fish and boat. We recommend only using nonmotorized boats.

If you view the lake, you may see an island in the middle. That is Ralstin Island, an important bird rookery that the refuge been working to save from erosion for many years.

If you would like to learn more, make sure to come to History on Tap tomorrow! More information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1043907758379213

Photo: Boating near Jet Recreation Trail from 1991, USFWS

08/22/2026

Do you know where this is?

The refuge Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew in 1993 rebuilt the wooden bridge for Eagle Roost Trail with the help of Ken Brown. It took the crew a couple weeks because they were only allowed to use hand tools. The metal bridge you see today was put in around 2019. Overall, the area looks a lot different because the refuge removed many invasive species.

If you want to learn more about refuge history, make sure to come to History on Tap this Thursday, August 27. Ken Brown will share more photos and stories!

More information about History on Tap: https://www.facebook.com/events/1043907758379213

Photo: Three YCC crew members working on a wooden bridge on Eagle Roost Trail in 1993

08/21/2026

Thank you, Peyton and Daniel!

Today is their last day as Invasive Species Strike Team Members on our refuge. They have been extremely helpful with managing invasive species, helping with biology and overall supporting the refuge.

We asked them what their favorite part of their position was. Peyton said, "I really enjoyed doing all the bird, and wetland surveys and using the ATV." Daniel said, "Every day we came out here and made a difference. I felt like it was meaningful work."

Photos: Peyton and Daniel standing next to a refuge entrance sign, USFWS. Peyton, Daniel and refuge biologist conducting a shorebird survey. Peyton and Daniel digging for selenite crystals.

08/06/2026

Have a reel good time with us on August 29!

Join us at Cherokee City-County Library for the Fashion a Fish activity on August 29 from 10-11am. It is free to attend and is open to kids of all ages. First, we will learn about different animal adaptations then all kids will create their own species of fish with play-doh.

Photo: Fashion a Fish graphic, USFWS

07/25/2026

Some water near Sandpiper Trail looks a bit different. Don’t worry this pink color is normal and is caused by halo bacteria and the presence of algae in salt water. It won’t last long so come soon if you want to see it!

Photo: Pink water along Sandpiper Trail, USFWS

07/17/2026

Why does the Harold F. Miller Auto Tour look different?

During the summer, refuge staff work to remove undesirable species and promote new wetland plant growth. This can include draining the wetlands, mowing, discing and herbicide spraying. It may look disruptive but these practices help promote native wetland plants that support more diverse wildlife throughout the year.

Photos: Current view of Little Marsh and Mink Run, USFWS

07/10/2026

Join us tomorrow for Refuge@Night!

We will have guided night hikes, astrophotography and stargazing. It is free to attend but make sure to bring a flashlight (red light preferred), chair and bug spray.

There will be two guided night hikes at Eagle Roost Trail. One will be from 9:10-9:40pm and the other will be from 9:50-10:20pm. They are first come, first serve with signup at the event.

Stargazing and astrophotography will be with faculty from NWOSU at Bonham Pond.

Photo: Moon with previous event, Dr. Riegel and Dr. Sattler