The William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 and consists of 5,706 acres encompassing a variety of habitats including seasonal wetlands, native prairie, oak savannah, riparian forests, and cropland. This land was set aside to preserve the specific wintering habitat requirements of the dusky Canada goose. By partnering with neighboring businesses and individuals, wildlife benefits from lands nearby the refuge as well. Habitat loss throughout the Willamette Valley has made the refuge increasingly more important for preserving native species biodiversity of both plants and animals.

The main purpose of the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is to provide wintering habitat for Canada geese. Warming temperatures and potential changes in precipitation patterns may alter the way in which the Finley NWR staff manages the Refuge for these animals. Wildlands may be at a greater risk of increased wildfire frequencies and intensities. Plant and animal ranges may adjust to warming temperatures by moving further northward or upward. Insect species are already moving northward in Oregon and frogs are breeding earlier. It follows that Canada geese habits may also change in coming decades.