Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area Celebrates 25 Years

Area wildlife enthusiasts are invited to the Lewiston Wildlife Habitat Area in the Lewiston Orchards Saturday, May 15, to celebrate what people can do for wildlife. The free "25th Anniversary" celebration will run from 1 to 5 p.m. The event offers refreshments, advice for developing backyard wildlife habitat, and guided tours of the area, beginning at the start of each hour. Once a hayfield, development began in 1985 with most of the money and labor donated from many agencies, businesses, schools, youth groups and volunteers. The goal was to showcase in an urban environment the importance of habitat and what people can do in their own backyards to benefit wildlife. The five-acre area has a paved trail that winds through a variety of habitats. Various evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, grasses, and forbs attract a diversity of wildlife. More than 100 species of songbirds, raptors, upland game birds, waterfowl, small mammals, deer, amphibians and reptiles have been observed. A wildlife viewing shelter with one-way glass provides excellent wildlife photography opportunities. A stream-viewing window provides a unique underwater view of the stream habitat. At each entrance, information boxes contain bird checklists and brochures about the 15 educational stations developed for self-guided tours. Parking is encouraged in the small parking lot off of Warner Avenue on the corner of 16th Street and Warner Avenue or at the Idaho Fish and Game office, 3316 16th St.