Volunteers make it possible to offer public naturalist-led walks about a variety of topics. The following opportunities are listed by walk leader and topic.

For questions and to sign up for Ridgefield NWR, email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov. 

Birding with Ron Escano

Ron has years of experience guiding local birding groups. Whether you are new to birding and the refuge, are looking to sharpen your skills, or just hope to find a group to bird with, Ron is a great person to spend a morning with. His pace is relaxed, but thorough, making sure everyone has seen or heard each species.  Ron will help new birders focus on key identification points to build their bird knowledge while sorting through the nuances of sparrow calls for more advanced birders.

Upcoming walks start at 8 am at the Carty Unit of the Refuge and are limited to 15 people. These generally last two to three hours but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you. Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily fee does apply. For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here.

• Saturday October 29th
• Saturday November 19th
• Saturday December 17th

Birding with Robert Vanderkamp

Before moving here from Michigan, Robert led bird walks as the President of his Audubon Chapter for 17 years.  He has been watching birds for most of his adult life and lives by the motto “care and share”. He loves talking to people about birds and is excited to host bird walks at the Carty Unit every second Saturday of the month. We will post these a few months at a time to accommodate for any needed changes in schedule.

Upcoming walks start at 8 am at the Carty Unit of the Refuge and are limited to 10 people. These generally last two to three hours but you are welcome to stay as long or short as works for you. Walks are free but the $3 refuge daily fee does apply. For more information about the fee and rules of the refuge click here.

• Saturday November 12th
• Saturday December 10th