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The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates | July, 2023
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Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge 2023 Photo Contest!
Sponsored by Pro Photo Supply & The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Submit your favorite photos taken within the boundaries of Ridgefield Refuge to our four categories, as well as a youth category, for a chance to win prizes from Pro Photo Supply and Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!
Submissions due Sept. 10th, 2023
CATEGORIES:
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BIRDS – Birds and waterfowl in their natural habitat. NOTE: No images of Great Horned Owls will be accepted during this year’s contest.
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WILDLIFE – Any wildlife other than birds – mammals, amphibians, fish, insects, reptiles, and invertebrates in their natural habitat.
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PLANT LIFE – Trees, grasses, flowers, fungi, mushrooms, and other flora in their natural habitat.
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LANDSCAPE & STRUCTURES – The refuge contains a mosaic of scenic views, including iconic structures such as the Cathlapotle Plankhouse.
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YOUTH – Open to photographers aged 10-17 and in grades 5-12 generally.
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Ridgefield Refuge Complex News & Events
Gate times for both units: 5:30 am - 9:00 pm
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Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?
This time of year, she was probably looking for a suitable upland location to deposit her eggs. Once touched (by a Refuge staff member), she expelled a large volume of urine. This urine would have helped soften the soil at the nest hole she would excavate with her claws. This painted turtle was removed from the road by staff on the afternoon of Sunday 6/25 as she was in the middle of the road during high weekend visitation. So keep an eye out and go slow, there can and will be more turtles in the road!
The sex of painted turtles can be determined by the shape of the shell, claw, and tail.
-Eric Anderson, USFWS Ridgefield Refuge Complex Deputy Manager
image by USFWS Eric Anderson
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The Carty Unit Oaks-to-Wetlands Trail, within the Oak Restoration area, may close occasionally 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.
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BirdFest & Bluegrass 2023
Save the Date, October 7th, 2023
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BirdFest & Bluegrass 2023 will be October 7th! Stay tuned here and on our website for more details, including a schedule, coming later this summer!
If you are just too excited to get started on the fun, you can purchase a 2023 commemorative button! Find them right now for $5.00- at:
With this button you can remind yourself of our event, and support it into perpetuity!
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From the Contact Station
Invasion!
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A surprise furry visitor to the contact station bird feeder! It’s a Brush Rabbit. We haven’t seen it since the grass was mowed around us, but there is a good chance it will come back. Maybe it is a night visitor. Although, with the Great Horned Owl often sitting in the breezeway between the two bathrooms at night, maybe that is not a good idea.
And speaking of the feeder station, a big thank you goes to Rietdyk’s Milling Co. here in Ridgefield. They supply pet, horse and livestock needs (and birdseed) in the area and have generously agreed to contribute seed to our contact station bird feeder, which is maintained by the Friends and volunteers...Keep reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer
image by Susan Setterberg
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Check out what species are being seen on the Refuge here.
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Ridgefield First Saturdays
Market & Street Fair
July 1, 2023
Kick off a celebratory, patriotic weekend with Farmers Market, vendors, and a street sale in Downtown Ridgefield!
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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:
July (virtual)** - contact us for date TBD
August 14th
September 11th (Virtual)
October 10th*
November 13th (Virtual)
December 11th
(*moved due to federal holiday)
(**Moved by Board)
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2022/2023 Merch Updates
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!
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!
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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: Oca Hoeflein, 2018, 2nd place Landscape Category, Refuge Photo Contest |
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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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