Four Points Bulletin

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 6,000 acres which provides a habitat for 355 bird species, 34 reptile species, 40 butterflies species, 37 mammal species and 7 amphibians. The river is named after Bill Williams (1787-1849), a U.S. born master fur trapper, trail guide and speaker of multiple Native American languages. He served in the military as a Mississippi Mounted Ranger in the War of 1812. When he encountered unfamiliar Native American tribes he learned their languages and customs. He eventually married the daughter of an Osage chief. (Just a little interesting side note.)

The Bill Williams River empties into the Colorado River at Lake Havasu, about 20 miles south of Lake Havasu City. I am so glad this land is protected, and not covered with trailers and hotels. We spent hours here, on the two trails that connect to the visitor center; looking at birds, trying to find lizards, throwing rocks and cooling our feet in the water. It was the perfect way to spend any day, let alone a ditching work/ birthday celebration kind of day.