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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 | May 2024
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Refuge Open Hours:
6:00 am – 8:30 pm*
*as of May 1, 2024
You can enter both RNWR units by paying an Entrance Fee or using an eligible Entrance Pass.
Entrance Pass Options:
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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.
- 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! You may be able to spot the adult Cranes in the wetlands around the Kiwa Trail entrance area of the Auto Tour!
Other Seasonal Trails To Open May 1
The Carty Lake Trail, Port Entrance, and the ability to walk on the Auto Tour will open normally. Please remember to go slow on the Auto Tour, watching for pedestrians and the wildlife who use it. Be kind and courteous, move aside to park or take photos, and go around and come back every so often so that others can enjoy as well.
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Community Nature Center Construction
"Looking at this view makes it easy to envision a nature center there!"
-Josie Finley, Ridgefield NWR Complex Visitor Services Manager
When you visit, follow the new directional signage, note the new temporary bathroom location and limited parking, and stay tuned for project updates!
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The Friends of Ridgefield NWR are working on bringing 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 thrive together.
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From the Friends
GiveBig 2024
May 7-8
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Help Fund a Refuge in Need. Are you ready to find your perfect match in helping endangered species thrive? Join us as we discover the amazing qualities of just a few of the wildlife species in need of your love and care.
Pick a "bachelor" and sponsor his journey to find love on our refuge during this GiveBig, May 7-8, 2024, and help us raise funds for endangered species, habitat restoration like invasive species removal and native plantings, everything needed to outfit the new Community Nature Center building completely, environmental outreach and education materials and activities, and much more.
Love is blind but giving is always in sight.
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From the Contact Station
First Family
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Goslings are on the Refuge: It is always a treat to see your first goslings or ducklings of the year. This group of seven goslings and two parents was spotted on Swartz Lake on April 18. As Canada Geese are one of the earliest breeding birds in spring, it's no surprise to see them as the first waterfowl with babies.
Our pair of Western Canada Geese, Branta canadensis moffetti, probably started checking out nest sites in mid-March. The female does the nest site shopping. She will scrape out a depression then start to dress it up with surrounding vegetation of grasses, mosses and whatever is close by. After laying a few eggs she will start adding belly feathers to the structure. Incubation doesn’t start with the very first egg laid, and eggs can be added. .. Keep reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer
Goose Family photo by Susan Setterberg
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From the Gorge Refuge Stewards
Youth Photo Contest
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Deadline for submissions: May 31, 2024.
What a great excuse to go to Steigerwald Lake NWR this spring!
(click the flyer to see larger or download)
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Check out what species are being seen on the Refuge here.
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Ridgefield First Saturdays
Spring Festival
May 4, 2024
Celebrate the anniversary of Ridgefield First Saturdays at the annual celebration of spring on Saturday, May 4.
There will be activities throughout downtown, including at Davis Park, Overlook Park, and Abrams Park!
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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:
May 13 - in-person!
June 10
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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