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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 | April 2024
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Refuge Open Hours: 7:00 am – 7:30 pm
You can enter both RNWR units by paying an Entrance Fee or using an eligible Entrance Pass.
Entrance Fee 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 applicable Federal Lands Pass.
- $15.00 for an Annual Ridgefield NWR pass
- Become a Friends Member at $60 or above.
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Join here! Opt-in after joining, and an Annual Refuge Pass will be mailed to you.
Entrance Pass Options:
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Use your Federal Lands Pass. Check HERE to see the list of eligible passes.
- Note: WA State Discover Passes are *not valid for entry.
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Details about fees & passes here.
The Ridgefield NWR Admin Office is open weekdays, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
The office phone number is: 360-887-4106.
-To verify staff availability, please call the office prior to your visit to 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 |
Community Nature Center Construction Begins!
🚧 Exciting News from Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!
We're thrilled to announce that construction for the Community Nature Center at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge has officially begun! This means that the parking lot of the Carty Unit may be blocked or limited at times. Make sure to pay attention to temporary directional signage when you visit, and stay tuned for updates about possible closures.
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The Friends of Ridgefield NWR invite you to join a community of nature lovers and conservationists in bringing this dream to life. Your financial support is critical in helping us create a space where education, wildlife, and human connection thrive together.
Imagine a place where the rustling leaves are the soundtrack to learning and discovery, where every visit brings a new appreciation for the natural world around us.
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From the Friends
Annual Meeting & Spirit of the Wild Awards 2024
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The Friends held their Annual Membership & Volunteer Appreciation Meeting on Monday, March 11 at 5 PM, at the Old Liberty Theater this year. Guests were treated to catering from Killa Bites (bacon-wrapped dates were a big hit) to enjoy while the meeting was conducted.
To start things off, Sam Robinson, Vice-Chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation, and Tanna Engdahl, Spiritual Leader of the Cowlitz Indian tribe, each gave a welcome blessing and words. The Friends Director of Operations, Samantha Zeiner, presented the Friends 2023 Annual Report followed by some news about the Refuge, and the Community Nature Center groundbreaking, from Project Leader Juliette Fernandez.
Finally, we topped our evening off with the awarding of our Annual Spirit of the Wild Award, presented by one of its original creators, Tanna Engdahl, to some of the most dedicated and steadfast volunteers at the Refuge, Mel Sanchez, Curt Mohler, and Dave Phelps. We are honored to be able to share with our community their passion and dedication.
Thank you so much to everyone who braved the pouring rain to join us, hear our updates, and support our story.
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From the Contact Station
The Grass is Always Greener Somewhere else
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Spring is definitely here. Birds have begun to fly north from the refuge, over the refuge, and to the
refuge from the south. You will have noticed that the Swans are gone, except for a couple that are hiding in nooks on some of the lakes. Duck numbers are lower overall. The lovely Cinnamon Teals are showing up in time for nesting and the male Wood Ducks look so fine as they are chasing the females around the ponds and sloughs. There is a lot of singing going on. Wilson’s Snipes. ..Keep reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer
Cinnamon Teal Duck 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.
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
Green & Clean
April 6, 2024
Help keep our Ridgefield community green and clean by participating in some April First Saturday activities on Saturday, April 6!
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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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Help Wildlife with your Everyday Purchases |
Join a community dedicated to conservation! Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is excited to launch our Round-Up Program – a simple way to support our efforts in preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of the Refuge. Sign up to round up your purchases to the nearest dollar, and make a lasting impact with your spare change. Your small change can lead to big changes in conservation! Every cent counts in protecting our precious ecosystems.
Be part of this collective effort and see how together, we can make a difference.
Sign up today and start rounding up for nature!
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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:
April 8
May 13
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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