The Morse Wildlife Preserve (MWP) is open to the public on the “Second Sunday” of each month from April through (and including) October of each year. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:
Due to lingering concerns regarding COVID-19 and our relatively small parking area on the Preserve, we ask the following to avoid overcrowding in the parking area:
No visits without a reservation (see information below for making a reservation)
In accordance with state guidelines:
plan to wear a mask while at the Preserve
keep at least 6’ of distance from others
please do not visit the Preserve if you are not feeling well
Making a Reservation to Visit MWP
Reservations can be made up to 30 days ahead of time when making a reservation to visit MWP. Clicking on that date will take you to a form where you can make your reservation (and, please remember, if you are trying to make a reservation more than 30 days ahead of time the link will not yet be active). Updated reservation links can be found on Tahoma Audubon Webpage - under the Morse Wildlife tab:
https://www.tahomaaudubon.org/morse-wildlife
Links will also be posted to the discussion part of each corresponding Facebook event page
Any questions? Contact us at morsewildlifepreserve@gmail.com
No pets allowed on MWP
Click on the following link which will take you to a Google Map showing our entrance and our long driveway which – in turn - will take you to our parking lot:
Frequently Asked Questions"
Q: Why can’t we bring our dog (s)?
A: This is a wildlife refuge and there are many young animals hiding that need our protection.
Q: How long has this property been owned by Forterra (formerly the Land Conservancy?
A: For the first 53 acres, since 1995, and since 2001 for the adjoining 45 acres.
Q: How long has the boardwalk been there?
A: Since 2011 – built with volunteer labor!
Q: Where does any donation money go?
A: Contributions are used to pay for improvements to the structures and trails and pay for educational materials and amenities.
Q: Is this the same Muck Creek that flows through JBLM?
A: Yes! And it is mucky! Stay on the boardwalk and trails for your safety.
Q: How long will it take to walk the trails?
A: The “Brown” or dry loop is about 8 tenths of one mile and will probably take one hour with a visit to the tower. The “Green” or Wetland loop is the same length – about 8 tenths of a mile and will take about an hour – go slow on the boardwalk and watch your step.
Q: Can visitors go in the barn?
A: The barn is currently used only for storage and groups, but you can look through the open doors at the Barn Owl nest box.