Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge protects a remnant of the Willamette Valley’s once-extensive wetlands in open farmland south of Salem near the Santiam and Willamette rivers. Managed cropland, riparian forest, and seasonal wetlands provide winter habitat for geese, especially the dusky Canada goose, which nests on Alaska’s Copper River Delta and winters almost entirely in this valley. Refuge management emphasizes safe resting and feeding areas, habitat restoration, and cooperation with nearby farms to reduce crop damage while supporting geese. The refuge also benefits many other animals and serves conservation, research, environmental education, wildlife observation, and carefully limited public recreation.