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The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates | December, 2022
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Thank you 2022 Members & Donors (so far)! |
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2022/2023 Merch Updates
Photo Contest Calendar, NEW Puzzles!, BirdFest & Bluegrass button image, and more!
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Check out the 2022 Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest-winning images in this spectacular collection. This 2023 calendar not only features the winning images along with their photographer's name and place, but also includes fun facts about the subjects of each photo, important Refuge-related holidays, and more. Support wildlife, nature, and education with one purchase that keeps on giving.
Available in 8.5x11, XL 11x14, and Jumbo 12x12 sizes as well as PDF download.
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Who here loves a good jigsaw puzzle on a dark winter evening? Or maybe you know someone who does? Then we have the perfect gift for you! The Friends are offering, for the first time ever, Refuge Photo Contest puzzles! We picked just a few images for these 500-piece puzzles, available online only, as another way that people can purchase and enjoy these amazing images. SHOP FOR PUZZLES HERE (not the same link as the calendar)
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We also have mugs, tote bags, photo cards, t-shirts and sweatshirts with previous photo contest winners, BirdFest logos and art, and the Chinookan Steller's Jay design by Greg A. Robinson. Get your friends and family (or yourself!) a gift that will remind them of nature's beauty and support a wonderful cause!
If there isn't something you like, you can always donate, or buy a membership to the Friends, for yourself or in someone's name - an annual gift program that supports wildlife, habitat, volunteers, education, and more.
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Annual Member & Volunteer Appreciation Meeting |
Save the Date for the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Member & Volunteer Appreciation Meeting, Saturday, January 28, 2023! More details coming soon, stay tuned.
3:00 PM
Old Liberty Theater
115 N Main Ave
Ridgefield, WA 98642
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Ridgefield Refuge Complex News & Events
Gate times for both units: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Seasonal Trails close Sept 30th & re-open May 1st
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*Reminder: daylight is quickly changing, pay attention to gate times when you visit* |
Annual Veteran’s Hunt 2023
Working with community partners to help heal in the outdoors
The work of Friends groups goes deeper than one might see or understand at first glance. Many of us witness the heroic work of these volunteer-run organizations engaging communities in conservation and wildlife-dependent recreation. To ensure this happens in meaningful ways we must be dedicated to building relationships to understand the diverse ways people connect to nature and the barriers they face.
Partnering with the Service, the Friends of Ridgefield NWR help to provide a safe, quality, and conservation-focused waterfowl hunt program, all season long. Those who connect and contribute to conservation through the restoration and harvest of wild game are finding programs like this few and far between. Participation in a hunting program, especially as a new learner, can be challenging for many.
Last month, the Friends and the Service supported the Washington Waterfowl Association Lower Columbia Chapter and The Fallen Outdoors to connect US Military Veterans to caring and expert hunting mentors, for a fun and healing outdoor experience. This small, low-pressure event takes many hours and a lot of coordination to ensure that all involved feel welcome and supported, including all the gear needed to be comfortable while learning new skills.
The Annual Veteran’s Hunt is one of these examples of your local Friends group participating in the creation of impactful outdoor experiences with, and for, the community.
-Josie Finley, Visitor Services Manager
image by USFWS Juliette Fernandez - Sunrise over duck decoys floating on the water
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Naturalist-led Walks
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.
Dates at Ridgefield:
Birding with Ron Escano
Birding with Robert Vanderkamp
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The Carty Unit Oaks-to-Wetlands Trail, within the Oak Restoration area, is generally closed Thursdays for trail maintenance, watch for signs.
General inquiries M-F, 8 to 4:30 can be answered at 360-887-4106.
NOTE: The Washington State Discover Pass is not valid on Federally managed public lands, including National Wildlife Refuges. Find out more about fees & passes here.
Check the Refuge2020.info website for project updates on all our Refuges in the Ridgefield Complex.
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From the Contact Station
Interesting Observations & Meet the New Volunteers
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Eagle Behavior: Sometimes you are just in the right place at the right time. While doing a November goose count, Barry Woodruff and I had a great experience watching Bald Eagles. We were counting geese in the field west of #14 when I spotted an adult Bald Eagle cruising low toward us from Long Lake. Hot on its tail was a juvenile eagle. The adult...keep reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer
image: Adult and juvenile Bald Eagles with prey by Barry Woodruff
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Check out what species are being seen on the Refuge here.
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Ridgefield First Saturdays
Hometown Celebration
December 3, 2022
Celebrate the Holiday season in the Ridgefield tradition with Hometown Celebration!
The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge are joining other businesses and organizations in the 2022 Circle of Trees Tree Decorating Contest! Come by and vote for the Friends!
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Become a Business Alliance Member!
As a member of the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Business Alliance, you invest in one of our urban metropolitan area’s most unique and diverse natural and cultural resources. Click here to find out more
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Board Seeking New Members
Or, Join a Committee
The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a non-profit dedicated to promoting, protecting, and enhancing its wildlife habitat. We are currently seeking candidates to serve on our board of directors. We are 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).
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Join the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Board for their monthly meeting. Meetings start at 5 PM every second Monday of the month and will either be in-person at the Ridgefield NWR Administration Building (28908 NW Main AVE), or virtual- the plan is to switch off each week. Contact us to join in!
2022: December 12 (virtual)
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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 doesn't change your regular personal shopping and fuel rewards, but it does make a meaningful contribution to our work on the Refuge. It's easy to sign up. Just click here. You can search for us by our name, Friends of Ridgefield NWR, or by our non-profit number, PK822. Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping earn a donation to support the Friends and Ridgefield NWR. If you do not have a Rewards Card, ask at the Customer Service desk of any FM store.
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Log on to smile.amazon.com and shop as you usually would - .5% of your purchase will be donated directly to the Friends! Use the link with your existing user name and password. When prompted to select a charity, choose the Friends of Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. |
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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 after a busy day of wildlife viewing (5% off a meal with member card!)? Or maybe you would like to get a discount on some supplies at Shovel & Thumb or Backyard Bird Shop? How about a night out at ilani?
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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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Business Alliance Members: |
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Granting Organizations & Partners: |
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Header Photo Credit: Raul Moreno, 2017, 1st place Adult category, Refuge Photo Contest |
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Want regular updates on Refuge events and happenings? Follow the Friends on your favorite social media by clicking the logos below to stay connected even when you are off the Refuge.
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