Habitat Restoration July 2018

Summer is here full throttle!

The Ridgefield NWR Habitat Program is throttle wide-open from June through September meaning we could use all the helpful volunteers we can get. Every Wednesday (except July 4^th) and Saturday from 9 AM-12:30 PM volunteers will search out and remove Ricefield Bulrush. We will meet on the River S Unit by the Hunt Gate parking area and work the wetlands along the Auto Tour Route.

For those who enjoy more of an upland experience, we can always use help with watering, weeding, and weed whacking the areas that were planted this winter. Some of these areas are behind gates and not in the general public arena so a great opportunity to see more of the refuge. Driving Refuge vehicles and/or ATV/UTV’s will require a clean driving record and training for ATV’s/UTV’s. (Contact: sean_davis@fws.gov if interested in either of the above opportunities)

We will be trying a few different approaches this year for bulrush including an herbicide effectiveness study that could use a couple folks who can describe the plants’ responses to different formulations. Effectiveness checks are done 2-3 times depending on response and no sooner than 7 days after spraying so there is no exposure to volunteers according to the manufactures label.

We will also need a few folks with their own kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards for shoreline surveys in late July and August along Lake River and some of our sloughs. You will need some plant id skills and of course a good understanding of water safety. There will be some time required to go over plants and mapping so this is more than a one-day event. (Contact: keith_rutz@fws.gov if interested in the above two opportunities)

If you have questions for Sean or Keith, but are having a hard time reaching us because it is our busiest time and we are probably ankle deep or hearing protected, you could track us down at this year’s Friends July fundraiser event. Hope to see you there!!