The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a non-profit membership organization that champions the protection of wildlife and their habitats by broadening public understanding of and engagement in the natural and cultural resources of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

Advocate the long-term protection and compatible uses of the Refuge’s fish and wildlife resources and habitat.

We need your support to grow Friends programs – nature education, wildlife habitat restoration, and a new naturalist corps! Please become a member and receive eNews and newsletters, come to the annual membership meetings, participate as a volunteer, and help the Refuge community grow. Now is the time. Thanks for your support. Click below to join.
The Friends of RNWR Board is always looking for help, check out below to find out more about our board, and what you can do to help.
The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Board hold their board meetings monthly. Meetings start at 5 PM every second Monday of the month and will be either virtual, or in-person. Please contact us to join in and get the details about the meeting location!
The Friends of RNWR Board is always looking for help, from new board members to committee members and community connections, learn more about our board, here!
Please contact us if you would like to participate, email us here to let us know!
Board Meeting Dates 2026:
January 6 (special session)
January 12 (closed session)
February 9
March 9
April 13
May 11
June 8
July 13
August 10
September 14
*October 19
November 9
December 14
*moved due to a federal holiday or Board decision
Photo Credit: Barry Blanding
The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge was honored recently when Mrs. Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States, designated it as one of the nation’s newest Preserve America Stewards. Designation as a Preserve America Steward provides national recognition for programs that successfully use volunteers to help care for our historic and cultural heritage. For more information visit www.achp.gov and www.preserveamerica.gov.









Stay updated on Refuge events, news, and wildlife sightings!