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Cathlapotle Plankhouse
Update & Events
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The Plankhouse will now be open Saturdays and Sundays 12:00PM - 4:00PM, so stop by and say hello!
Second Sundays at the Plankhouse!
"Oak Appreciation Day" is the Second Sunday Event for July, with events every month until October! Every Second Sunday of the month! Check out our website for more info!
Saying Goodbye
Sarah Hill- Cathlapotle Plankhouse Program Coordinator
After 6 years of working for the Friends, most of which have been heading up the cultural programs at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, the time has come to transition into the next chapter of my life. I am so grateful to have had the honor and privilege of working at one of my favorite places in the world and alongside the many passionate and caring people that the Refuge brings together. This place truly is a gem in our region. Not only is it an amazing place to connect with nature, we also have the opportunity to illustrate the ways that Indigenous peoples that have shaped this landscape and built the rich mosaic of habitats that wildlife depends on. This Indigenous land tending relationship extends though out all Indigenous territories, but is often left out of historical and contemporary narratives.
Being able to provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the deep knowledge of traditional ecology and to develop increasingly rich relationships with people in the local Native community has been the most rewarding aspect of my time at the Plankhouse. This thread – the legacy of stewardship contained in our local ecosystems from time immemorial to the present day - is what I hope to explore more deeply in the future. Somewhere at the nexus of threatened Oregon White Oak habitat, culture, stewardship, and education is the next step in my Journey.
Over the years, I have learned that in Chinookan culture, 5 is a marker of something significant. Saying something 5 times has power and can makes things happen, and in the oral tradition of storytelling important events happen 5 times. I began working at the Plankhouse July 1, 2012, and my last day as the program director is June 30th, 2017, and I can’t imagine a better time to say aɫqui.
To the ancestors of this place, the people of gáɬap'ux, I want to say masi for tending to this place in such a way that even 150+ years after people’s time in that village had ended, this still remains a Refuge and sanctuary for people and wildlife in an increasingly urban landscape.
Hayu masi to our partner, the Chinook Indian Nation, without whom the Plankhouse project would not have been possible, and who’s community has been so welcoming and gracious with myself and with the Plankhouse volunteers. I am grateful for all that you share and make time for even as you fight to take care of your community’s needs at home.
Hayu masi to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde whose territory the Refuge lies in today.
Hayu masi to other Chinookan peoples, tribes, bands who, through a long history of relationships along the river have connections to the peoples of gáɬap'ux and beyond.
Hayi masi to our dedicated volunteers who spend precious hours on the weekend greeting people and connecting people to place and culture, and for making folks feel safe and welcome on their local Wildlife Refuge.
Hayu masi to the volunteers in the contact station, the habitat program, those in the biological programs, and those who help with the education programs. We truly couldn’t do what we do without you.
Hayu masi to the FWS staff who work alongside the Friends – you are all such fantastic humans, I am so honored to have been able to be your colleague, and I can’t wait to see how you all continue to steer this ship into the future.
Hayu masi to the staff and board of the Friends - you completely embody the mission of this organization. You work tirelessly to find funding, to create opportunities for people to connect, and are always trying to reach out to a wider section of the community. Your energy, passion, and dedication are inspiring.
Hayu masi pus khanawi-ikta,
Thank you for everything,
Sarah Hill
Hello Again
Juliet McGraw - New Cathlapotle Plankhouse Director
Greetings Everyone ~ Many of you already know me as the current Cultural.jpg) Education Specialist for the Friends of Ridgefield NWR. I've had the privilege of working with many of you who are not only Members but also Volunteers. For those who I've not had the pleasure of meeting, here is a bit more about me.
My academic background is rooted in anthropology, archaeology, and indigenous studies. It would be challenging for me to design a position that better suits my interests and values as this one I am stepping into. I have a great passion for ethnobotany, land tending, public lands, and contemporary indigenous culture - all of which I get to explore through the Plankhouse. The best part though, is that I get to share these passions with the public through our truly amazing Environmental and Cultural Education Programming and our Visitors Program at the Carty Unit.
I'm humbled by the Board's decision to keep me on and move me into the Plankhouse Director role. I hope to fulfill my duties as well the individuals that came before me and built the amazing programming we have today. I know that the Friends have many exciting things planned for our Membership in the coming years and I am pleased to be a part of the team that is moving us forward.
As for Sarah, my immediate predecessor, she is not an easy act to follow. I will greatly miss her as a mentor and co-worker. I'm truly grateful that she remains a close friend and confidant. The things that I've learned over the past year-and-a-half are immeasurable, and I look forward to all we have to learn from one another in years to come.
I am excited to see what this new beginning brings for all of us. Please know that I welcome suggestions, from thoughts on potential community partnerships, to volunteer enrichment event ideas. Thank you so much, for your part in that.
Hayu masi pus khanawi-ikta,
Thank you for everything,
Juliet McGraw
Questions? Contact Juliet at Juliet_McGraw@fws.gov or call (360) 887-4106
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whether you are planning a long or a short visit, it is going to be a hot summer and there is no access to drinking water on the refuge.
This summer the Ridgefield wildlife refuge welcomes the 2017 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) team for the season! YCC is a long standing national program aimed to help students ages 15-18 to gain first-time job experience while working hands-on in the National Wildlife Refuge system.
Daimler Trucks sent 5 engineers to came out and lop blackberry on May 24th with our Habitat Restoration team. They spent four hours clearing those plantings by the Port!
