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| | Image credit: Raul Moreno, 2017, 2nd Place, Adult Category, Pro Photo Supply Refuge Photo Contest | | |
The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates & news | February 2026
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The Ridgefield NWR Admin Office is open weekdays, as staff availability allows: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Office phone number: 360-887-4106
Refuge Operation Notice:
NOTE: Impacts like down trees or other unplanned occurrences may not be announced on the websites immediately. Website updates are subject to staff availability on site.
River S/Auto Tour Route - CLOSED (2/4/2026)
River S and Auto Tour Route will be closed Wednesday, February 4, for road repairs. No vehicle or pedestrian access is permitted during this time.
Learn More: Official Refuge Website
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From the Friends & the Refuge
Dive Back into Learning with a Free Workshop Series!
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We are thrilled to announce a brand-new, FREE Community Workshop Series at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge! Hosted at the beautiful Carty Unit, these sessions are designed for everyone in our community to enjoy free snacks, dive back into learning, and celebrate this stunning corner of the earth we call home.
Whether you want to support local pollinators, find your creative voice, or learn how local wildlife is navigating a changing world, we have a seat for you!
Here is what’s coming up:
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Welcoming Mason Bees: A Springtime Guide (Feb 28, 10–11:30 AM) 🐝 Join WSU Master Gardener Anne Bulger to explore the life cycle and role of these remarkable pollinators. You’ll even receive a take-home, ready-to-set-up mason bee house with cocoons to help support native bees in your own backyard! (Recommended for high school ages and up.)
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Writer’s Workshop (April 4, 10–11:30 AM) ✍️ Led by Abby Braithwaite of the PN Farm Arts Initiative, this fun and reflective workshop will guide you through the Refuge as you share nature poems and write in provided notebooks. All ages and experience levels are welcome!
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Adapting to Change: Wildlife in SW WA (May 6, 6:30–7:30 PM) 🦊 Join Clark College’s David Zonana, PhD, to learn how local wildlife populations are responding to land-use changes, climate change, and introduced species. This is a great opportunity for all ages to understand the Refuge's vital role in their survival.
These events are provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in collaboration with the Friends of Ridgefield NWR. Space is limited, so be sure to scan the QR codes on our flyer, visit the website, or click the links below, to sign up today!
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Friends Online Merch
The Flock Just Got Cuter!
Ready to match your favorite little duckling? By popular demand, our "Dancing Queen" and "Bird Butt" collections have expanded into Youth and Toddler sizes!
To top it off, we’ve added fresh beanies and trucker caps to keep those heads warm during winter birding. Get the whole family geared up and support Refuge conservation with every purchase.
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From the Contact Station
The Splendor of Winter
From the beginning, I knew it was going to be an excellent day. As I eased down the entry road, a Western Gray Squirrel scampered across the road and up into a tree. It circled the trunk, checking for who knows what, and then paused for a moment and looked back at me for a great photo opportunity. We never see the squirrels at the feeder by the contact station; they prefer the deep woods habitat on the road down. I’m not prone to getting up really early in the morning...keep reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Contact Station Volunteer
Image of Western Gray Squirrel by Susan Setterberg
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Check out what bird species are being seen on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - both past and current archives - on our website, here. | |  | |
A Bee Story:
Beneath Our Feet: The Quiet Architects of the Garden
Mining bees belong to a large family of native bees called Andrenidae (an-DREN-uh-dee). In Washington State, this family includes four genera: Andrena, Calliopsis, Panurginus, and Perdita. Together...keep reading...
-Anne Bulger, Friends of Ridgefield NWR Board Member, & OSU Master Melittology Lead Instructor for the RNWR
Image of Mining Bee. Credit: Anne Bulger (2.2025/Ridgefield, WA)
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Ridgefield First Saturday
Books & Bowls
February 7, 2026
Join the City of Ridgefield for the 4th Annual Books & Bowls Event on February 7! 2026 Activities include "Celebrate National Library Lover’s Month" and "Take Your Child to the Library Day"!
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Join the Friends - Become a Member
Our new membership program means that all members will receive a digital member card, a free optional tote bag, a sticker, and more!
Members over $60 also gain access to the Soar into Wellness Program, & Members giving over $1000 are also included in a special website highlight!
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If you're looking for gorgeous nature and wildlife photography on jigsaw puzzles, we have you covered! | |
Friends Amazon Wishlist- You can directly support our work and the Refuge's initiatives! Whether it's habitat restoration or BirdFest & Bluegrass, we'll feature items essential to our many efforts toward achieving conservation and community outreach goals. Purchase from our list, and Amazon takes care of the rest! Get started, HERE.
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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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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 either virtual or in-person with a virtual option. Please contact us to find out how to join in!
Board Meeting Dates 2026:
February 9, 2026
March 9, 2026
April 13
May 11
June 8
July 13
August 10
September 14
*October 19
November 9
December 14
*moved due to a federal holiday or Board decision
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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.
| | | Business Alliance Members: | | | Granting Organizations & Partners: | |
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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