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Thank You Members & Donors!
Members and Donors from Nov. 2016-Nov. 2017:
a Cena Ristorante
Elizabeth Adcock & Jack Bernhardsen
Gary Adkins
Gail Alexander
Jane and Ken Ames
Bebe Anderson
Jack Androvich
Backyard Bird Shop
Rollin Bannow
Trine Beach
Chris J., Bidleman
Barbara Bloomfield
Buckets Restaurant
Charisa Martin Cairn
City of Ridgefield
Jane Chinn
Alex Chmielewski
Elizabeth Collins
Columbia Credit Union
Corwin
Hilarie Couture
Sarah Cowgill
Alexandra Danielsen
Lola Dennis
Eatery at Grant House
Elephant’s Deli & Restaurant
Dick Garrison
Peter Graves
Jim Gola
Nancy Knowles
Victoria & Jon Haugen
Kathleen Hensch-Fleming
Higgins Restaurant & Bar
Barbara Howard
Peggy J Hughson & Associates
Terry Hurd
Ilani
Beth Kinstelman
Lee Knottnerus
Patricia Larson
Ying-Kit Lau, J.D., Ph.D.
Lehman Court Reporting
Joe & Donna MacKenzie
Peggy Macko
Lila Martin
Cheryl Mathieson
Jim & Kelly Maul
Twila and Mark McCombs
Cynthia McCormack
Juliet McGraw
Steve McLaughlin
McMenamins Restaurants
John and Kay Meyers
Eric & Linda Mihata
Vern & Marsha Miller
Mindful Birding
Debby & Curt Mohler
Myrtle’s Tea House & Herbery
Northwest Natural
Maureen O’Reilly
Dorothy O'Very
Pacific Northwest Best Fish Co.
Paragon Restaurant
Pamela Porter
Port of Ridgefield
Pro Photo Supply
Debbie Raffleson
Ridgefield Business Association
Ridgefield Kayak
Ridgefield Lions
Redfin
Sydney Reisbick
Sam Robinson
Judy Rose
Marjorie and Elden Rosenthal
Barbara Ross
Charlotte Rubin
Carol Sandor
Susan Setterberg
Shorty’s Garden Center
Carol Silva and Mary Cox
Donald Slymen
Solstice Restaurant
Sportsman’s Steakhouse & Saloon
Starfish Manor Hotel
Dave, Julie & Carrie Tanner
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge & Friends
Umpqua Bank
Henry VanWyhe
William Williams
Jennifer Wolcott & Daniel Heinrichs
Tom & Lisa Zeiner
And Thank YOU to everyone who attended our July Fundraiser and who made donations and purchased items! We hope to see you all again on July 20th, 2018!
In Memory of Sydney Reisbick:
Mary Jane Butters
Harry Koch
Paul and Linda Lewis
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sansone, Jr.
Carolyn & Bob Sawyer
If you notice your name is not on this list, but you have donated and would like it to be, please email us at contact@ridgefieldfriends.org to alter your privacy options. To ensure your name appears in future newsletters and publications, please indicate whether you would like to stay anonymous or not when you donate or renew!
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Time to Join or Renew!
 As the end of the year draws to a close, many of us gather with our families to enjoy time together, or head out into the wilderness for some alone time, or curl up in a cozy chair to just watch the rain. No matter what you do this winter, choose to support your local wildlife refuge. Ridgefield National Wildlife refuge is more than just a home and refuge for wildlife, it protects disappearing habitats and provides a stage for cultural and environmental education that cannot be found anywhere else. The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge work hard to continue important and unique programs on our refuge, but we need your help to do it. Join Us today.
All contributions are tax deductible* and becoming a member comes with perks, find out more and become our Friend HERE.
If you can't find an amount that works for you, or you just want to make a one time donation, we got you covered there too! Check out how to donate without becoming a member HERE
*(donations over $50 who receive an annual pass must subtract $15 from their total donation amount before deducting)
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Holiday Shopping Done!
The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge's 2018 Calendar is here! This year's calendar features the 2017 winning photos of our annual photo contest!
Our calendars are much more than amazing, high resolution action shots from Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, they also help the Friends support its mission of providing habitat restoration, and cultural and environmental education on the Refuge and to it's visitors. All the photo's subjects are identified, and there is also some info about each photo! Learn about the seasonal changes in habitat restoration, important dates to look forward to, read  a passionate poem about our refuge, and much more. Just $18, these 12 month, 8.5x11 (opens to 11x16), saddle stitched wall calendars are the perfect gift!
Whether as a holiday gift for loved ones, your friends or co-workers-or a functional keepsake for yourself- your purchase helps support our public lands, protecting wildlife and the history of our area, in perpetuity. With gorgeous photos of wildlife and a little learning, what more could you ask for?
Order yours HERE online today and guarantee you get one!
Or you can purchase them in town at City of Ridgefield's Hometown Celebration on December 2nd, or at Seasons Coffee Tea & Remedies (inside the Old Liberty Theater) while supplies last!
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Upcoming Events to Save the Date for:
Keep an eye out for more information on these events coming 2018!
 Friends Annual Member Dinner: Sunday, January 21st, 2018-
4-6pm, Location: Ridgefield Community Center
Members please join us for an afternoon dinner provided by the Refuge Chef, good friends and good times! Note the later time this year! Keep an eye out for your official invites, and if you feel left out don't fret! You can become a member any time before the dinner (including at the dinner!) and join us!
Start by clicking here!
Ridgefield NWR Complex Volunteer Training:  April 7, 4, 21 & 28, Locations Vary- check for updates HERE
Cathlapotle Plankhouse Season Opening: Saturday May 5th, 2018, 12-4pm 28908 NW Main Ave Ridgefield, WA 98642
 Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Annual Fundraiser 2018:
Friday, July 20th, 2018 - Evening, Lucy's Garden - 3302 NW Carty Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642
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From the Contact Station
My Favorite Season
You may have notice there is a new building on the River S. Refuge staff are working hard to finish off our new station with electricity, insulation, heat, finished walls, lighting, everything that will make in comfortable for us in the coming winter. Meanwhile, most volunteers... Keep Reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Volunteer & Board Member
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"Wings of the World" Art Dedication
.jpg) On November 18, 2017 in Ridgefield’s beautiful Overlook Park, the City of Ridgefield held a public dedication of a gorgeous art sculpture entitled “Wings of the World,” created by Vancouver artist Sharon Agnor to commemorate the achievements and commitment to community of five Ridgefield residents – Allene Wodeage, Jim Maul, Sydney Reisbick, Amy Montoya and David Dines.
Sydney Reisbick, beloved Ridgefield resident, passed away on October 17, 2017.
Wings of the World stands 15 feet tall and was constructed with stainless steel and colored glass. Glass panels, resembling the wings of a bird, depict various scenes of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Below the glass panels...Keep Reading...
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Friends Clothing!
 Looking for the Stellar's Jay logo on black again? Do you miss the fun of BirdFest & Bluegrass already? Do you just love vultures, bluegrass music, Chinookan art or supporting a good cause? Then come get the BirdFest & Bluegrass Button design, or the Chinookan Stellar's Jay on a t-shirt, sweatshirt, tank top, and more! Proceeds go to fund wonderful family events like BirdFest, and the unique habitat and education programs on the refuge! Online only, get yours today!
Check out our Zazzle Store for the Stellar's Jay
Click here for the BirdFest & Bluegrass logo
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Ridgefield Refuge Complex
News & Events
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Winter Closures
As winter approaches, there is the potential of inclement weather that c ould create an emergency Refuge closure. Additionally, the Refuge could experience a temporary closure should the government experience a shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations. The Refuge website, the Friends website, the Friends Twitter and the Friends Facebook page (you do not need to be a facebook member to check here) will be updated with any information relating to unexpected closures.
Have a fun and safe visit!
Thank you for visiting the refuge and supporting conservation. If you have any questions regarding activities and regulations on the refuge, call the office Monday through Friday 7:30am to 3:30 pm at 360-887-4106.
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Cathlapotle Plankhouse
Update & Events
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For Educators:
Plankhouse Repairs
 This week and next you may spot a work crew perched on the Plankhouse roof. David Rogers of Log & Timbers, LLC has worked with the Chinook Indian Nation, USFWS, and the Friends for over a decade incorporating culturally and environmentally appropriate solutions to the maintenance of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. Currently Rodgers and crew are working on improvements to the roof vent system and other small repairs from November 29 - Dec 6, 2018.
Our ongoing thanks to the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington for the generous support that allows us to provide ongoing care of the Plankhouse.
Water Resources Education Center Hiring
The Water Resources Education Center is looking for additional Watershed Monitoring Educators to contract with them. They pay anywhere from $25/hr to over $40/hr once you have experience with them. The number of hours is variable and this is a school year contract.
Link to the application: https://vancouver.procureware.com/Bids?Id=67ee27c4-fe24-4736-9a00-ece5a6c6dbd6&t=bid_description_tab
Applications due by December 13th
Questions? Contact Juliet at Juliet_McGraw@fws.gov or call (360) 887-4106
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Habitat Restoration
Updates & Events
Winter is Here
Would it be too cliché to tell you all that winter is coming? Our volunteers have added an extra layer underneath their rain gear now. But we're still plodding through our inexhaustible supply of Himalayan blackberry and barbed wire fencing. Without giving away too much, our recent headway might mean more areas of the Refuge for you to enjoy in the coming months.
We've also made marked progress in maintaining plantings from previous years. If you have a moment, walk the Oaks to Wetlands trail on the Carty  Unit, just past the Plankhouse and look to your right. We've planted 300 camas bulbs! The egrets pretend not to notice so we used 300 pin flags just so they can knock off the shenanigans. It hasn't worked. The tundra swans have assured us, however, that they love it.
With so much work on the Refuge getting done, and so much more to come, you are more than welcomed to step in now and claim some of the swan adulation! Get in touch for details and be a part of the progress; we would love to have you join us.
Now you can sign up to volunteer easily on our website! Check it out by clicking here!
Check out more about Habitat Restoration here!
Questions? Contact Keith_Rutz@fws.gov for more information
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Help the Friends and the Refuge When You Shop Online
When you link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to the Friends, you help us earn donations from Fred Meyer Community Rewards. It doesn't change your regular personal shopping and fuel rewards, but it does make a meaningful contribution to our work on the Refuge.
It's easy to sign up. Just go to www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name, Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, or by our non-profit number, 89824. Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping the Friends earn a donation to support the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.
You Can Also Shop and Give Online at AmazonSmile.com
Log on to smile.amazon.com, shop as you usually would and .5% of your purchase will be donated directly to the Friends. Use the special link, smile.amazon.com, with your existing user name and password.
To set up your AmazonSmile account, click this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-2018749. When prompted to select a charity, choose the Friends of Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. Begin shopping as you normally would and the Friends will receive 0.5% of eligible purchases.
Thanks for being an EcoShopper and helping the Refuge!
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Follow the Friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
Want regular updates on Refuge events and happenings? Follow the Friends on your favorite social media by clicking the logos below to stay connected even when you are off the Refuge.
  
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Header Photo Credit: Marguerite Hills
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Enjoy 5% off at the Sportsman's Steakhouse and Saloon in Historic Downtown Ridgefield with your member card! 
