The renovated observation building and new photography blind at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge will open Saturday after almost eight months of construction.
Already open is a new 5.5-mile hiking and biking trail east of the visitor center near the main entrance.
Work at the refuge began March 13 as part of a $5.4 million project paid for by a federal grant.
Along with building the 500-square-foot outdoor photography blind, which can hold 30 people, upgrading the observation building and creating the new trail, the funds will finance renovations to the visitors center. The center is expected to open next spring.