Travel Tip: Check out our National Wildlife Refuges!
We all know about our amazing National Parks, but did you know there is a huge network of National Wildlife Refuges, with more than 570 locations throughout the country?
And even better, most of them are free!
Since my husband’s retirement in 2018 we have taken nine road trips, but it wasn’t until 2022 that we discovered our first National Wildlife Refuge in Aransas, Texas. I found it by accident while mapping out our route. I included it in our itinerary and it was one of our most memorable experiences on that trip.
I highly encourage you to check out any location before you visit. For example, when we arrived at the Aransas location, we had no idea it was the wintering home of the endangered whooping cranes. We were there at the very start of the season and sadly did not see any cranes. But it is such a big deal that Port Aransas, Texas has an annual Whooping Crane Festival! The Whooping Crane is the rarest of all cranes and among the oldest living bird species on earth.
Now, when I start to map out our next road trip, I research any wildlife refuges in the area.
When driving through New Mexico last fall, we included a stop at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Ironically, we hit at the start of the Sandhill Crane migration. This refuge had actually worked with the Aransas refuge to try and bring part of the whooping crane migration to their area. However, efforts were not successful. The Whooping Crane migration remains at Aransas.
Another reason to do your research ahead of time is that locations do not have the same resources available. Some are very remote and do not have facilities or a visitor’s center.
We learned on our most recent trip that if there is an information center of any kind, it is worth visiting if possible. Some trails may be hard to find, and GPS may not bring up locations. Two trails we did eventually find were gaited shut. But we did have a beautiful drive, and that is part of the adventure.
To learn more, visit the National Wildlife Refuge System website HERE.
There are several refuges in Arizona, but currently none in Tucson. However, the Santa Cruz River Refuge Coalition is taking steps to designate the creation of a Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge. The proposed refuge boundary would run through both Santa Cruz and Pima Counties. It would include multiple properties to maximize outdoor access and enable holistic habitat protection. The refuge would include several access points along the river that parallels downtown Tucson. You can learn more by clicking HERE.
Are you planning a travel adventure for 2025? Do you have a money plan to help you prepare financially? If not, I can help! Be prepared for those travel expenses so you can better enjoy the experience! CLICK HERE to schedule your Personal Financial Coaching session.
Lisa Atkinson
TFCU | Personal Financial Coach
latkinson@tucsonfcu.com
As a Personal Financial Coach, I do not provide legal or tax advice. Tucson Federal Credit Union does not guarantee that this service will achieve any particular objective or outcome. For any legal advice, please seek the advice of an attorney or tax professional.
