Celebrate wildlife refuges with a visit

Years ago when I worked for an outdoor publication in Seattle, we had a folder with names of businesses and phone numbers to call for fishing and hunting information.

The office for Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, in Montana's Mission Valley, was one of the folder's entries. Next to the name was a note to anyone in our office who might call. It said the refuge was pronounced "nine pipe," not "Ninny Pipi."

Ninepipe is one of 21 National Wildlife Refuges located in Montana. Across the nation there are more than 500 similar places dedicated to preserving water, land, the plants growing there and the wildlife that use them. Together, they protect vital homes for wildlife across 95 million acres. That translates to 1.4 million square miles.

This week has been recognized as National Wildlife Refuge Week. Celebrations were held at some refuges, but even without an event it's good to remember how important these places are to us.

"National wildlife refuges are American jewels" said Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "They serve as vital landscapes for wildlife; provide recreation for communities seeking a connection with nature; and contribute to ecosystem health through clean air, clean water, and buffers for flooding."

A search on the agency's website shows Montana's refuges spread across the state, including "Ninny Pipi." There's probably one close to your home, like Hailstone near Billings or Lee Metcalf in the Bitterroot Valley. Helena is close to the Benton Lake refuge and near Butte is Red Rock Lakes.

Take a picnic, your binoculars and some friends and visit a refuge near you. The best times to see wildlife are early in the morning and at the end of the day.

— Brett French,