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The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates | May, 2023
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Ridgefield Refuge Complex News & Events
Gate times for both units: 5:30 am - 9:00 pm
Seasonal Trails re-open May 1st - Now including THE KIWA TRAIL!
It looks as though the Sandhill Cranes were unable to successfully nest this year. Because they are so secretive, we don't know if they couldn't incubate the egg, they never even tried to lay one, or if they were subject to predation. Because Sandhill Cranes are so sensitive, they are one of those species that don't have consistent success year after year. Hopefully, they will try again next year and be successful once again.
Make sure to stick to the trail, and come prepared for a walk in the sun!
*RIVER S UNIT CLOSURE 6/1/2023*
The River S Unit Auto Tour Route (1071 S Hillhurst) will be closed to the public on Thursday, 6/1/23, for the entire day in order to complete some maintenance like filling potholes and mowing. The unit will re-open Friday, 6/2 at the posted time.
Thank you for your patience!
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Welcome Alyssa Jayne and Palmer
This year at the Ridgefield Refuge Complex, Alyssa Jayne Mayor and Palmer Haffner are aiming to bring back education to the refuges in full force! Jayne will be leading the Youth Conservation Crew on impactful conservation projects throughout the refuges, with a focus on educational opportunities for older students to inspire the future conservationists of our world. Meanwhile, Palmer will be working directly with school groups and students who visit the refuge, as well as creating new educational resources and curriculum for the refuge to take advantage of in the years to come. As education ramps up again for the Complex, they both strive to make the refuges a place for connection, curiosity, and involvement.
More about YCC
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is hiring four youth, aged 15-18, for the U.S. Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). This 8-week summer paid position is a wonderful opportunity for youth to experience meaningful work on wildlife refuges and our other partner sites. YCC members will engage with the outdoors, learn basic job skills, and explore unique projects and careers. The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2023 for consideration or dropped off at the Refuge Office in Ridgefield. For an application or more information, email Crew Leader Alyssa Jayne at: alyssajayne_mayor@fws.gov.
Interested in bringing your group to Ridgefield or Steigerwald Lake?
The spring schedule is full but we are accepting requests for July and August. Fill out the education request here.
-Josie Finley (she/her), Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex Visitor Services Coordinator
image: Jayne & Palmer out in the field ©USFWS
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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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From the Contact Station
Magnificent Migration
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What is it? Did you notice this odd object which was uncovered during the removal of blackberries in April? The way it is sitting, it looks like it might have gathered intelligence from outer space, unsuccessfully I would guess. Well, you never know what you might find when you start clearing blackberry patches. Deputy Refuge Manager, Eric Anderson calls it, “A blast from the past.”...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
Big Paddle
June 3rd, 2023
Celebrate the Lewis River to Vancouver Lake Water Trail and our natural environment with a paddle on Lake River.
Find the Friends:
Guided Refuge Hike with Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge 10 AM & 1 PM
To celebrate National Trails Day, head on a group hike led by the Friends, from the Port of Ridgefield through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Group hikes will take place at 10am and 1pm, no registration is necessary. The Refuge will be fee-free during Big Paddle!
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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:
May 8th (virtual)
June 5th**
July 10th (virtual)
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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