As the water slowly recedes, comes back up, then slowly recedes again, the refuge grows vertically by inches a day. Habitat volunteers have been busy clearing blackberries, mapping fences, spraying weeds, and digging thistles before the grasses conceal everything. Luckily the self-propelled, self-guided lawnmowers started arriving mid-month to assist the refuge in preparing for next season’s waterfowl return. Since the cows are now managing the grass, habitat volunteers can continue efforts to locate, map, and remove invasive species.
Yellow-flag iris, fragrant water lily, and purple loosestrife will be on the agenda for the summer months. In addition, we will soon start scouting for the first emergence of ricefield bulrush in the wetlands of the River S unit. Once we have identified the start of the bulrush season we will be looking for as many people to come out on a Wednesday or Saturday as possible to help remove this Class A invasive. If you would like to sign up early, or be notified when the bulrush removal season starts, please email your request to sean_davis@fws.gov today!
Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (PK822). For more information, please visit the link below.
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