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image credit: Sandra Michaelis, 2018, 2nd place Plant Life Category, Pro Photo Supply Refuge Photo Contest
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The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates | June 2024
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Refuge Open Hours:
5:30 am – 9:00 pm
You can enter both RNWR units by paying an Entrance Fee or using an eligible Entrance Pass.
Please note: Bicycles, off-road vehicles, and ATV driving are not permitted on the Refuge.
Entrance Fee:
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Pay Daily Entrance Fee - cash or check only.
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$3.00 daily per vehicle, or up to four adults on foot.
Entrance Pass Options:
- Purchase An Annual Refuge Pass or eligible Federal Lands Pass.
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$15.00 for an Annual Ridgefield NWR pass. Purchase at Ridgefield NWR Admin Office, M-F, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; by mail; or place cash/check in an official fee envelope. Complete details HERE.
- Become a Friends Member at $60 or above.
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Join here! Opt-in when joining, and an Annual Refuge Pass will be mailed to you.
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Use your current Federal Lands Pass. Check HERE to see the list of eligible passes. Note: State Passes are *not valid for entry to the Refuge.
The Ridgefield NWR Admin Office is open weekdays, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Office phone number: 360-887-4106.
-To verify staff availability, please call the office before you visit the Refuge.
-For general inquiries, please call the office between 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
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Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex News & Updates
Opening of Kiwa Trail Delayed
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While May 1 every year is typically the first day of access to seasonal trails, for the fifth year in a row, the Kiwa Trail opening will be delayed due to Sandhill Crane Nesting activity, with a projected opening date in July.
Other Sandhill Cranes on the Auto Tour
US Fish & Wildlife Service Biologist for the Ridgefield NWR Complex, Alex Chmielewski, gave the Friends a short update on the many reported crane sightings. He says that they are harder to track this year. There is one successful pair for sure. Also, one single bird hanging out by itself, which could be a mate incubating. Finally, there's another pair that is either not breeding or failed to breed. This means that there are now at least two families who have chosen to stick around our Refuge! This important species choosing to nest at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is continued proof that the habitat work done here to restore landscapes and remove unwanted plants is working. With every successful family, there is the hope that their ancestors will keep coming back here too.
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Community Nature Center Construction
Construction continues on the Community Nature Center at the Carty Unit. Staff and volunteers are so pleased to talk to curious visitors and watch kiddos stand fascinated at the fencing. It is so fun to look at each section of concrete knowing that in a couple of years we will be standing above those supports sharing our connections to nature and learning about how wildlife are thriving in our communities. Last week, while pondering in awe at all the changes, I suddenly remembered a previous manager of ours who said to me "Josie, you'll be opening a nature center soon." My response was something like, ya we will see if I'm still around." I am humbled and happy to say, THANK YOU to the Ridgefield community for proving me wrong!
Remember we are still open during construction. What used to be the staff parking lot is now reserved for visitors, so please come on down to the pavement close (to the building) where you can access the restrooms and trail with ease. Temporary toilets are serviced weekly with staff checking on them daily for supplies. We are working hard to keep the building open during the week with regular hours, subject to staff availability. The goal is always to be open 8-4 Monday through Friday with passes sold until 3:30. If you find a locked door it is because we are off doing important work for you and wildlife. We strongly encourage you to call ahead if you need staff assistance.
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Volunteer Updates
Volunteers are working hard to keep the office open, trails clear, and the visitor questions answered. We recently had a wonderful set of volunteer orientations, and are still training, engaging, and supporting the volunteers who have joined us. Our volunteers are very important and deserve our focused attention, to happily and safely support your refuges. At this time, due to staff capacity, we will not be adding any more volunteers. However, we will have opportunities over the summer to engage in trail maintenance and habitat restoration so please stay tuned! If you are a group looking to come out together, email us at RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov or see the education page for the small group tour request form.
-Josie Finley, Visitor Services Manager, Ridgefield NWR Complex
images of different phases of digging and building the new nature center, in one image construction is overlooked by a child behind the safety fence, credit: USFWS Josie Finley
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From the Friends
Digital Member Cards Now Available!
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Joining the Friends has always come with great benefits, but who needs another thing in their wallet?
In order to cut down on paper use, waste, and costs for everyone involved, the Friends have moved our membership and donation forms to Zeffy, which means we can now include a digital member card for you to download, the choice to have your membership automatically renewed, and more. Your email receipt will come with a link to your membership discount card too, so you can keep it right on your phone for when you need it, instantly.
And, when you give on any other platform, up to 10% of your gift is used to cover fees. Instead, we chose to use Zeffy so the Refuge will receive 100% of your gift!
The Friends of Ridgefield NWR are working hard to bring the last aspects of the Community Nature Center dream to life. Your financial support is critical in helping us finish outfitting a space where education, wildlife, and human connection will thrive together for generations to come!
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From the Contact Station - Paused, for Now |
While Susan Setterberg is on a volunteer sabbatical, we are looking for someone who would be willing to share Refuge updates! Whether that includes a species spotlight article relevant to the season, or other updates more site-focused like Susan's.
Want to write articles for the Friends Enews? Let us know!
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Check out what species are being seen on the Refuge here.
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Ridgefield First Saturdays
Big Paddle
June 1, 2024
The Ridgefield Big Paddle commemorates the designation of the Lewis River to Vancouver Lake Water Trail each year on National Trails Day, celebrated on the Lake River Waterfront.
Guided Refuge Hikes coordinated by the Friends & Staff of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge at 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Head on a group hike from the Port of Ridgefield through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. No registration necessary. Meet at the City's Event Trailer. The Refuge will be fee-free during Big Paddle.
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Would you like to enjoy a cup of coffee from Ridgefield's Seasons Coffee after a morning hike on the Refuge? Lunch in-between the River 'S' and Carty Units? Dinner and drinks at the Historic Sportsman's Restaurant and Lounge? Or maybe you would like to get some supplies at Shovel & Thumb or Backyard Bird Shop? How about a night out at ilani?
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Benefits of Friends Membership |
The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge promote the enjoyment, understanding, and protection of native and endangered birds, other wildlife, and their habitats. We focus on our local community and the Pacific Northwest. |
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When you link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to the Friends, you help us earn donations from Fred Meyer Community Rewards. It's easy to sign up. Just click here. Or search, Friends of Ridgefield NWR #PK822
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Check out our online store to find the Chinookan Steller's Jay design, BirdFest & Bluegrass button art, and the 2023 Photo Contest winning images, on tote bags, sweatshirts, t-shirts, different mug styles, and photo cards! |
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Psst...if you love a good
jigsaw puzzle...
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Join the Friends of Ridgefield NWR Board for their monthly meeting. Meetings start at 5:00 PM every second Monday of the month and will be virtual, or in-person with a virtual option. Contact us to join in!
Board Meeting Dates:
June 10 - in-person!
July 8
August 12
September 9
October 15*
November 11
December 9
(*moved due to federal holiday or special circumstance)
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Board Seeking New Members
Or, Join a Committee
We are always recruiting candidates with diverse backgrounds and skills for several open board positions, in addition to candidates interested in serving on a committee (board membership not required). Find out more, and contact us here
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Become a Business Alliance Member
As a member of the Friends of the RNWR Business Alliance, you invest in one of our urban metropolitan area’s most unique and diverse natural and cultural resources. Find out more
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Business Alliance Members: |
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Granting Organizations & Partners: |
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Want regular updates on Refuge events & happenings? Follow the Friends on social media by clicking the logos below to stay connected even when you are off the Refuge.
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