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The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates | February, 2023
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If you want to give a membership in someone else's name as a gift, just fill out the form as if you were them, and/or let us know in the comments section how you would like it sent (to you or to them directly)!
image: Male and Female wood Ducks by Jim Cruce
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From the Friends
Annual Membership & Volunteer Meeting wrap-up
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This past weekend, Saturday, January 28th, 2023, the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge held their Annual Membership & Volunteer Appreciation Meeting at the Old Liberty Theater, starting at 3pm. Members, volunteers, donors, and partners joined in for a drink and a snack from the Seasons Coffee concessions bar before heading in to the theater for the planned program.
Prizes included:
-Libations, a $25 gift card to the Taproom at Ridgefield Craft Brewing, a growler, and two pint glasses.
-A gift basket with a gift certificate to Backyard Bird Shop and a Coast Salish Bingo Game.
-A necklace crafted from beads and shells by Sam Robinson.
-Multiple guided tours from Alder Creek Kayak, one including a Gift Certificate to Higgins, or a rental from Alder Creek.
-A $100 gift card, swag bag, and a certificate for a 1-night stay at the hotel at Ilani!
The agenda for the meeting included a welcome from Tanna Engdahl, Tribal Elder & Spiritual Leader of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, and Sam Robinson, Vice-Chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation, followed by reviews of staff and board work from 2022, and reports from Refuge staff; Refuge Complex Project Leader Juliette Fernandez and Visitor Services Manager Josie Finley, the latter leading to a fun exchange of volunteering stories among guests. Board President Jim Maul MC'd and filled everyone in on accomplishments of the past year, and hopes for 2023 and beyond.
The evening wrapped up with the awarding of our Annual Spirit of the Wild Award to Susan Setterberg, for her tireless continual work on the refuge, volunteering under so many different hats, and in so many ways she works and cares for wildlife.
The Friends want to again thank our partners, community, members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and followers- without you, we could not do what we do, thank you.
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Ridgefield Refuge Complex News & Events
Gate times for both units: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Expressing Wildlife Observation through the Arts - Junior Duck Stamp Contest
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Growing up I always doodled. I scribbled on everything and everything I could get my hands on (even things I shouldn’t, like my bedroom walls). It was how I was able to express myself and share the world through my eyes.
As I moved from crayons and organic shapes, I began to find a deep passion for drawing. This was in middle school when I was able to choose an elective of either art or band. EVERY ONE of my older siblings had learned to play music, but I wanted to take art. And so, while my siblings didn’t think it was fair, I was afforded the space to pursue my interest.
From that age, I found that while other art forms were fun, drawing was where I felt most connected to the art I created. I started entering contests and transcribing what I observed around me to paper.
I went to college wanting to teach art and math, with my true desire to teach art. I left college with degrees in Graphic Design and Marketing however, as my interest during that time shifted to be more focused on the business side of the art world. It was my desire at that point to work for an “outdoor company” as a creative. What I didn’t understand at the time was that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was a place where I could work for an organization focused on the outdoors where my passions and skills in communicating through the arts also had a home...keep reading...
-Mesha Wood, Park Ranger, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex
-Black and white drawing of three ducks in pencil with an eraser and pencil laying on top of the drawing by Mesha Wood
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The Carty Unit Oaks-to-Wetlands Trail, within the Oak Restoration area, may be closed 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.
Seasonal Trails close Sept 30th & re-open May 1st
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From the Contact Station
Black Phoebe Residency
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On July 15, 2011, Roger Windemuth wrote the following article for the Friends newsletter. After re-reading it, I thought it would be fun to do an update. Let’s start with Roger’s article:
"The sharp whistled call of the Black Phoebe is a fairly common sound near streams and ponds of the American Southwest. This distinctive black and white bird with its tail slowly wagging up and down, perching on a branch and then darting out to catch an insect just above the water is a familiar sight to anyone who lives in that area. But that is the Southwest! What are Black Phoebes doing in the Northwest specifically Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?"...keep reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer
image: Black Phoebe by Roger Windemuth
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Check out what species are being seen on the Refuge here.
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Ridgefield First Saturdays
Bowls & Books
February 4th, 2023
It’s a day full of fun national holidays! Take part in “National Take Your Child to the Library Day”, during Library Lovers Month, enjoy some soup or ice cream during “National Homemade Soup Day” and “National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day”.
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2022/2023 Merch Updates
2023 Photo Contest Calendar, NEW Puzzles!, merch featuring contest winners, BirdFest & Bluegrass button images, Chinookan Steller's Jay art by Greg Robinson, and more!
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Who 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.
(not the same link as the calendar)
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2023 calendars are still available! They not only feature the winning images of our 2022 Refuge Photo Contest along with their photographer's name and place, but also include 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. Get yours now!
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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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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 month. Contact us to join in!
Board Meeting Dates for 2023:
February 13th - Cancelled
March 13th
April 10th (virtual)
May 8th
June 12th (virtual)
July 10th
August 14th (virtual)
September 11th
October 10th* (Virtual)
November 13th
December 11th (Virtual)
(*moved due to federal holiday)
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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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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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