Friends of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuges

06/19/2026

06/13/2026

Post and photos by Linda Scrima. Thank you to the many volunteers and Refuge staff- for their efforts to beautify Jean’s Garden at the Refuge. The relentless mugwort and other invasive plants took over the garden, despite the efforts of many volunteers. The Refuge staff put in a flag pole with Refuge’s symbol goose weathervane. I made a few visits to Owens Station and saw the staff working on the garden daily over the last two weeks. I saw excavators. I asked the staff what wildflowers were planted, and there were many different native plants (including milkweed). Also: thank you, Walter (new volunteer with his wife Jayne) for daily watering the plants.

06/12/2026

Our maintenance professionals have been hard at work this summer improving an existing parking area off Glenwood Road (565) to provide visitors with direct access to the Wallkill River!

Whether you're looking to launch a kayak, cast a line, or simply enjoy the beauty of the river, this improved access point offers another way to experience the refuge. We appreciate the dedication of our maintenance team for helping make outdoor recreation and wildlife-dependent activities more accessible for everyone.

Stay tuned for more improvements and opportunities to explore Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge!

06/04/2026

****NOTICE****

What better way to spend a Saturday then going fishing! For ten years the Double V Rod and Gun Club has partnered with the refuge to bring disabled veterans together for a day of fishing.

06/01/2026

****NOTICE****

05/29/2026

It’s that time of year. Watch out for crossing female snapping turtles. They are either coming or going to lay their eggs. If you help them cross the road please do in the direction they are going. Also please if you come across one on a trail don’t disturb. Once they lay thier eggs they will move on.

05/28/2026