Family Friendly Walk

Turnbull Wildlife Refuge

Join Richard and Sandy Sollie, along with their 5-year old granddaughter, on a child-friendly walk through Turnbull Wildlife Refuge. The pace will be suitable for all ages and the emphasis of this adventure is fun!

Red-winged blackbird is a common bird found perched on grasses and rushes along marshy areas in the Inland Northwest. Photo: Karen Edwards

Get a bit of exercise and enjoy a relaxed introduction to birding as we walk the Pine Lakes route and the hiking trails near the Wildlife Refuge’s Headquarters where you will meet your guides, Richard and Sandy Sollie.

Please bring binoculars, cameras, etc. to help you see the birds clearer. If you don’t have this equipment, we’ll have a scope and a couple extra pairs of binoculars available for those who would like to borrow them.

Western Bluebirds are abundant and easy to spot in Turnbull Wildlife Refuge.
Photo: Karen Edwards

During the walk, the Sollie’s will assist you in locating the amazing variety of birds we have in the Inland Northwest. You will see a variety of ducks and geese and may even get lucky and see some swans. You will certainly find a variety of beautiful songbirds such as bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, nuthatches, and blackbirds. Don’t worry if you don’t know what these species are yet, the Sollie’s will help you find and identify them. Soon you’ll begin to notice them on your own and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to finding them during your own local outings!

Exposing children and their families to birding is especially important to the Sollie’s. They’re passion and patience will make even novices comfortable. We hope you can join them!

Please Note: May 11 is Cheney’s MayFest and there will be a detour through town, so you may need to allow a little extra travel time to the Refuge.

You can let the Sollie’s know if you’re planning on attending by email or phone

The Pine Lakes Trail is flat and easy to navigate for all abilities.
Photo: the Sollie’s