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Happy New Year!
Thank You Members & Donors!
Members and Donors from Nov. 2016-Dec. 2017:
a Cena Ristorante
Elizabeth Adcock & Jack Bernhardsen
Gary Adkins
Gail Alexander
Jane and Ken Ames
Bebe Anderson
Jack Androvich
Robert & Katherine Ash
Backyard Bird Shop
Rollin Bannow
Trine Beach
Chris J., Bidleman
Barbara Bloomfield
Buckets Restaurant
Charisa Martin Cairn
City of Ridgefield
Jane Chinn
Alex Chmielewski
Elizabeth Collins
Columbia Credit Union
Margee Cooper
Paul & Ivadell Crosby
Corwin
Hilarie Couture
Sarah Cowgill
Sandra Day
Lola Dennis
Eatery at Grant House
Elephant’s Deli & Restaurant
Dick Garrison
Graticle Design- Shawn Hooghkirk
Peter Graves
Kate Gray
Jim Gola
Victoria & Jon Haugen
Kathleen Hensch-Fleming
Higgins Restaurant & Bar
Barbara Howard
Peggy J Hughson & Associates
Terry Hurd
Ilani
Jenny Kincaid
Beth Kinstelman
Lee Knottnerus
Nancy Knowles
Barbara Kubik
Patricia Larson
Ying-Kit Lau, J.D., Ph.D.
Lehman Court Reporting
Hugh & Mair Lewis
Joe & Donna MacKenzie
Peggy Macko
Lila Martin
Cheryl Mathieson
Jim & Kelly Maul
Ursula McCabe
Twila and Mark McCombs
Cynthia McCormack
Juliet McGraw
Steve McLaughlin
McMenamins Restaurants
John and Kay Meyers
Eric & Linda Mihata
Vern & Marsha Miller
Mindful Birding
Debby & Curt Mohler
Kate & Christopher Mueller-Wille
Myrtle’s Tea House & Herbery
Northwest Natural
Maureen O’Reilly
Dorothy O'Very
Pacific Northwest Best Fish Co.
Paragon Restaurant
Pamela Porter
Port of Ridgefield
Pro Photo Supply
Debbie Raffleson
Ridgefield Business Association
Ridgefield Kayak
Ridgefield Lions
Redfin
Sydney Reisbick
Sam Robinson
Judy Rose
Marjorie and Elden Rosenthal
Barbara Ross
Charlotte Rubin
Cory Samia
Carol Sandor
Terri & Loren Schulte
Elizabeth Scovel
Susan Setterberg
Shorty’s Garden Center
Carol Silva and Mary Cox
Donald Slymen
Solstice Restaurant
Sportsman’s Steakhouse & Saloon
Starfish Manor Hotel
Patricia Stephens
Dave, Julie & Carrie Tanner
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge & Friends
Umpqua Bank
Henry VanWyhe
John Wiley
William Williams
Karen Wood
Jennifer Wolcott, Daniel Heinrichs
Tom & Lisa Zeiner
And Thank YOU to everyone who attended our July Fundraiser and who made donations and purchased items! We hope to see you all again on July 20th, 2018!
In Memory of Sydney Reisbick:
Mary Jane Butters
Wiley Hollingsworth
Harry Koch
Paul and Linda Lewis
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sansone, Jr.
Carolyn & Bob Sawyer
If you notice your name is not on this list, but you have donated and would like it to be, please email us at contact@ridgefieldfriends.org to alter your privacy options. To ensure your name appears in future newsletters and publications, please indicate whether you would like to stay anonymous or not when you donate or renew!
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Time to Join or Renew!
 As the end of the year draws to a close, many of us gather with our families to enjoy time together, or head out into the wilderness for some alone time, or curl up in a cozy chair to just watch the rain. No matter what you do this winter, choose to support your local wildlife refuge. Ridgefield National Wildlife refuge is more than just a home and refuge for wildlife, it protects disappearing habitats and provides a stage for cultural and environmental education that cannot be found anywhere else. The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge work hard to continue important and unique programs on our refuge, but we need your help to do it. Join Us today.
All contributions are tax deductible* and becoming a member comes with perks, find out more and become our Friend HERE.
If you can't find an amount that works for you, or you just want to make a one time donation, we got you covered there too! Check out how to donate without becoming a member HERE
*(donations over $50 who receive an annual pass must subtract $15 from their total donation amount before deducting)
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Annual Volunteer and Member Dinner
You're Invited!
Date: January 21, 2018, 4:00 PM- 6PM
Reason: To thank all of our wonderful, hard working volunteers and thoughtful members, donors, and sponsors for all their support this last year!
Location: Ridgefield Community Center
210 N Main Ave
Ridgefield, WA 98642
Please RSVP ‘Yes’ to: contact@ridgefieldfriends.org
by January 14th
Please include the number in your party when you RSVP, and contact information
The Refuge Chef is providing our main course, please feel free to bring a side dish or dessert to share!
Additional Information:
The meeting will include a summary of Refuge projects undertaken this year, as well as future projects. Current Members will elect new Friends’ Board Members
Want to vote but not a current Friends member? Or membership expired?
Become a member & receive all the benefits of membership!…Also, be able to vote in this year’s elections! Friends’ membership details & online payment can be found here!
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Upcoming Events to Save the Date for:
Keep an eye out for more information on these events coming 2018!
Ridgefield NWR Complex Volunteer Training:  April 7, 4, 21 & 28, Locations Vary- check for updates HERE
Cathlapotle Plankhouse Season Opening: Saturday May 5th, 2018, 12-4pm 28908 NW Main Ave Ridgefield, WA 98642
 Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Annual Fundraiser 2018:
Friday, July 20th, 2018 - Evening, Lucy's Garden - 3302 NW Carty Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642
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From the Contact Station
What is all that on the red stuff on the water?
We are often questioned about the “red stuff” on the sloughs and ponds at this time of year. What is that stuff? It is called Mexican Water-fern, Azolla mexicana, and is also known as mosquito fern. Keep Reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Volunteer & Board Member
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Board Seeking Applications!
Join t he Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Board!
Apply for this unpaid volunteer position by January 5th, 2018!
The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (“Friends”) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Refuge. Our mission is: promoting educational programs of the Ridgefield NWR, enhancing awareness and appreciation of the Refuge, and protecting and enhancing its wildlife habitat.
The Board of Directors is an action-oriented group which is passionate about its mission. The board retains responsibility for all aspects of the organization’s activity and delegates management responsibilities to staff. The Board retains all responsibility for finances and financial accountability, leadership development and governance. Board members serve three (3) year terms and contribute 10-15 hours per month to the program. The board meets monthly for 60-90 minutes and board members are expected to actively participate in projects or on committees with responsibility for resource development/fundraising, community outreach, leadership/human resources and strategic planning.
REQUIREMENTS FOR BOARD SERVICE:
Interested candidates should have:
A demonstrated interest and passion in the organization’s mission and goals.
Specific experience or knowledge in at least one area: human resources, planning, finance, community outreach, nature/wildlife, the legal field.
Volunteer or employment experience that demonstrates: professionalism, leadership ability, community service, collaborative skills, and effective communication abilities.
A willingness to participate in board fundraising activities.
A willingness to expand knowledge or board responsibilities through orientation and ongoing training.
A willingness to represent the organization to the community.
An ability to meet the time commitment requirements to be an effective board member.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest (and resume if desired) including the following information:
Qualifications for the position including occupational/employment background and community service work.
Interest in the Friends of the RNWR organization, the Refuge, and the position.
A description of the skills and/or strengths the applicant would contribute to the organization.
Mail or Email resumes and letters of interest to Friends of the RNWR at: P.O. Box 1022, Ridgefield, WA 98642 OR contact@ridgefieldfriend.org.
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Friends Clothing!
 Looking for the Stellar's Jay logo on black again? Do you miss the fun of BirdFest & Bluegrass already? Do you just love vultures, bluegrass music, Chinookan art or supporting a good cause? Then come get the BirdFest & Bluegrass Button design, or the Chinookan Stellar's Jay on a t-shirt, sweatshirt, tank top, and more! Proceeds go to fund wonderful family events like BirdFest, and the unique habitat and education programs on the refuge! Online only, get yours today!
Check out our Zazzle Store for the Stellar's Jay
Click here for the BirdFest & Bluegrass logo
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Need a 2018 Calendar?
The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge's 2018 Calendar is almost gone! This year's calendar features the 2017 winning photos of our annual photo contest!
Our calendars are much more than amazing, high resolution action shots from Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, they also help the Friends support its mission of providing habitat restoration, and cultural and environmental education on the Refuge a nd to it's visitors. All the photo's subjects are identified, and there is also some info about each photo! Learn about the seasonal changes in habitat restoration, important dates to look forward to, read a passionate poem about our refuge, and much more. Just $18, these 12 month, 8.5x11 (opens to 11x16), saddle stitched wall calendars are the perfect gift!
Your purchase helps support our public lands, protecting wildlife and the history of our area, in perpetuity. With gorgeous photos of wildlife and a little learning, what more could you ask for?
Order yours HERE online today!
(There may still be a few in stores around town, at the Vancouver Backyard Bird Shop, and Loowit Brewing. We recommend you call ahead to check first.)
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Ridgefield Refuge Complex
News & Events
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Winter Closures
As winter approaches, there is the potential of inclement weather that c ould create an emergency Refuge closure. Additionally, the Refuge could experience a temporary closure should the government experience a shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations. The Refuge website, the Friends website, the Friends Twitter and the Friends Facebook page (you do not need to be a facebook member to check here) will be updated with any information relating to unexpected closures.
Have a fun and safe visit!
Fee Free Days 2018:
- January 15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- February 19 – Presidents Day
- September 22 – National Public Lands Day
- October 14 – First Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week
- November 11 – Veterans Day
Thank you for visiting the refuge and supporting conservation. If you have any questions regarding activities and regulations on the refuge, call the office Monday through Friday 7:30am to 3:30 pm at 360-887-4106.
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Cathlapotle Plankhouse
Update & Events
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For Educators:
Questions? Contact Juliet at Juliet_McGraw@fws.gov or call (360) 887-4106
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Habitat Restoration
Updates & Events
Egrets, the strong, silent type of the animal kingdom
I started here in mid-January 2017. In fact, I started closer to the end of January due to quite a few days of weather closures. Snow! On one of my very first days on the job I watched a coyote nimbly trot through snow on the River ‘S’ Unit.
By the spring, Gee Creek was so high the term “creek” was an aspersion. You could say the rains dampened our restoration efforts. This was in stark contrast to our summer efforts, where for weeks the only rain we may have received came in the form of ash from nearby wildfires. Only when fall came did we feel any sense of normalcy, except, by December it stopped raining again! It was gloriously sunny during the day, and by night we got a short spell of a brilliant super moon. Keep Reading...
Now you can sign up to volunteer easily on our website! Check it out by clicking here!
Check out more about Habitat Restoration here!
Questions? Contact Keith_Rutz@fws.gov for more information
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Help the Friends and the Refuge When You Shop Online
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 go to www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name, Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, or by our non-profit number, 89824. Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping the Friends earn a donation to support the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.
You Can Also Shop and Give Online at AmazonSmile.com
Log on to smile.amazon.com, shop as you usually would and .5% of your purchase will be donated directly to the Friends. Use the special link, smile.amazon.com, with your existing user name and password.
To set up your AmazonSmile account, click this link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-2018749. When prompted to select a charity, choose the Friends of Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. Begin shopping as you normally would and the Friends will receive 0.5% of eligible purchases.
Thanks for being an EcoShopper and helping the Refuge!
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Follow the Friends on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
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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Header Photo Credit: Marguerite Hills
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Enjoy 5% off at the Sportsman's Steakhouse and Saloon in Historic Downtown Ridgefield with your member card! .jpg)
