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The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates | May, 2023
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Join us for 48 hours of giving during GiveBig 2023, the new version of #GiveMore24, an event that is usually in September; Now May 2-3, 2023!
Bookmark our page and mark your calendars for the NEW biggest giving day for Southwest Washington nonprofits.
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Ridgefield Refuge Complex News & Events
Gate times for both units: 6:30 am - 8:00 pm
Seasonal Trails re-open May 1st- EXCEPT THE KIWA TRAIL!
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Facing injury and accessibility,
with nature at my side
It’s not a new thing, I fall down at times. Sometimes I even fall UP hill or on flat surfaces. I just usually get back up, no problem. Until the other day.
There was no major obstacle in my way nor path I hadn’t taken a hundred times, but nevertheless a daily act of walking ended up with myself slipping in the rain and landing on my back on the pavement below.
Pain instantly shot through my right knee, and I knew despite the rain drenching me, I might be laying there for a bit. Luckily friends came to my side and were able to help me indoors where the pain just kept increasing, but I was dry.
Having injured my ankle rock climbing many years back and having just taken a wilderness first aid course at the beginning of the month, I knew what to consider in evaluating my health and what was best for...keep reading...
-Mesha Wood, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Park Ranger
image: ©USFWS/Mesha Wood, dinner with a view
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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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Refuge Volunteer Orientation |
First Volunteer Orientation of 2023 May 7th
time: 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
at: the Evergreen School District Building in Vancouver
It will serve to:
-Build relationships and start good communication between new volunteers, returning volunteers, staff, and partners.
-Get important introductory information to new volunteers about who we are and what we do.
-Refresh those volunteers returning that may not have received this info, or have forgotten.
-Train everyone on ways we work to keep our programs running safely and smoothly.
-Returning volunteers and staff present volunteer opportunities available that year and help new folks understand where they may fit.
Please sign up for the orientation by emailing RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov with your name, number, and if you have an interest in helping at the orientation by no later than May 1st.
Intention: ALL volunteers, both new and returning, are required to attend just one orientation per year. (our next orientation will be scheduled for late summer/early fall.)
Questions or other needs, reach out to RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov and we'll be in touch. We look forward to seeing you and will be sharing more about the day's agenda when the event gets closer.
Thanks, Ridgefield Staff
This event is provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in collaboration with our partners, the Friends of Ridgefield NWR and the Gorge Refuge Stewards, and is committed to providing access to all. Please direct all requests for accommodations to Mesha_Wood@fws.gov, 360-887-4106, TTY 800-877-8339
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Habitat Restoration Update
Invasives to watch for this spring
Check out this slideshow of invasive weeds to help yourself find and remove them this spring; in your yard, or as a volunteer on the refuge. (click the image to be taken to the ~2-minute video on our website)
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Volunteer Training, May 7th
The first Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex Volunteer Training of the year will be on May 7th, a Sunday. We hope to see new and returning volunteers who want to help with a variety of projects both indoors and out (but mostly out).
In particular, the refuge will be looking for help with habitat restoration projects of all kinds and sizes this summer and fall, and beyond. Let them know when you sign up if you are interested in helping with habitat restoration specifically. See you out there.
-Samantha Zeiner, Friends of RNWR Administrator, & Keith Rutz, Friends of RNWR Habitat Restoration Coordinator
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From the Contact Station
Spring Soon Please
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I know the Great Pacific Northwest has a reputation for rain, but seriously, aren’t we all ready for some prolonged sunshine? Ponds and lakes continue to be full. Have you noticed how many American Bitterns have been spotted along the edges of the road. They are used to wetlands, but having to swim through them may be pushing them to the edges where we are getting great views. You can see the Canada Geese sitting on the higher vegetation humps in Rest Lake. The wetlands nesters don’t like their eggs to be under water. I am wondering how much this will affect nesting success or cause a delay...Keep reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer
image: American Bittern by Susan Setterberg
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Gorge Refuge Stewards Youth Photography Contest |
Submissions are due May 29th
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Check out what species are being seen on the Refuge here.
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Ridgefield First Saturdays
Spring Festival
May 6th, 2023
Celebrate the anniversary of Ridgefield First Saturdays at the annual celebration of spring!
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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 12th
July 10th (virtual)
August 14th
September 11th (Virtual)
October 10th*
November 13th (Virtual)
December 11th
(*moved due to federal holiday)
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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 Credit: Sandra Michaelis, 2018, 2nd place Plant Category, Refuge Photo Contest |
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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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