July 2024 Newsletter

For the fifth year in a row, the Kiwa Trail opening has been delayed due to Sandhill Crane Nesting activity, with a projected opening date sometime in July. Once the Refuge gets the OK, volunteers and staff will work to clear and prepare the Kiwa for visitors soon after.

Other Sandhill Cranes on the Auto Tour

There are now at least two families who have chosen to stick around our Refuge, one on the year-round side of the River 'S' Unit, and another on the Kiwa Trail. The more reclusive one has been harder for Refuge biologists to track. This important endangered species choosing to nest at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is continued proof that the habitat work done here, to restore landscapes and remove unwanted plants, is working. With every successful family, there is the hope that their descendants will come back too.

Community Nature Center Construction Continues

When visiting the Carty Unit, plan ahead by checking the website for closures, bring water, and pack out what you pack in. Temporary restrooms are the only option on weekends. Please follow all signage, for your safety and that of the construction crew.

Carty Lake Trail & Port Entrance Sign Update

It's official - the ever-empty sign frame at the Port of Ridgefield entrance to the Refuge's Carty Lake Trail finally has a sign in it! After a long wait, we are thrilled to share this exciting news with you. Come visit and take in the beauty of nature while this seasonal trail is open!

Share your favorite Ridgefield Refuge photos in various categories (including youth!) for a chance to win prizes from Pro Photo Supply and Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Submissions Due: September 3.

A gallery of the 2023 winners is available in the Ridgefield Refuge Administration building. This is where the 2024 winners will also be hosted, starting on October 5, 2024.

We're seeking motivated individuals to join our Board of Directors, to help guide our fundraising efforts, ensure robust board governance, and represent the vibrant community that surrounds our beloved refuge. Your expertise and dedication can make a significant impact on the preservation of this precious habitat for generations to come.

Interested? Let's chat! Email us to explore how your talents can help preserve this natural treasure.

Digital Membership Cards Now Available

Say goodbye to paper overload, waste, and extra expenses - we're switching things up by zapping your digital membership card straight to your email inbox.

We teamed up with Zeffy to dodge those pesky platform fees, making sure every bit of your generosity goes straight to the Refuge!

Team up with us to bring the Community Nature Center vision to life! Help us outfit a space where nature, education, and wildlife party together for generations to come! Get all the deets HERE.

If you are already a member, you will receive the new digital card when you renew next!

Do you love our Ridgefield Refuge Complex?

Do you want to write articles for the Friends Enews?

Do you use social media?

Do you want to volunteer for the Friends?

Do you want to combine your use of social media and volunteering?

If you answered yes to any of the above, let us know today to get started!

See us in the 4th of July Parade!

The Friends, USFWS Refuge staff, and volunteers can be caught walking in the Ridgefield July 4th Parade to remind you to join us for our 25th Anniversary BirdFest & Bluegrass Event, on October 5th, 2024! Learn more about the parade & other Thursday, July 4 details by clicking the button below:

The Friends Amazon Wishlist is back to help you support our work and the Refuge's initiatives! We will continuously update the list, so save our page and revisit for more chances to contribute to all our projects. Whether it's habitat restoration or BirdFest & Bluegrass, we'll feature items essential to reaching our objectives. You purchase the item, and Amazon takes care of the rest. Every little bit helps!