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| | Image credit: Karen Stuwe, 2023, 1st Place, Landscape Category, Pro Photo Supply Refuge Photo Contest | | |
The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates & news | May 2026
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The Ridgefield NWR Admin Office is open weekdays, as staff availability allows: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Office phone number: 360-887-4106
Learn More: Official Refuge Website
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Community Nature Center at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
To all of our refuge supporters, we are thrilled to invite you to join us in celebrating a significant milestone—the completion of the Community Nature Center and the start of an exciting new chapter in connecting people to nature and outdoor recreation. Thanks to our dedicated community and partners, this vision is becoming reality, and we are eager to commemorate this achievement together.
Date: Sunday, May 3rd
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Ribbon Cutting ceremony 1:00 - 2:00
Location: 28908 NW Main Avenue, Ridgefield WA
| The Friends of Ridgefield NWR want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Miller Nash LLP (Vancouver) and Starbucks (Pioneer & Royle) for supporting the refreshments for this event! | | | |
Friends Annual Membership & Volunteer Appreciation Celebration | |
Date: Saturday, May 30
Time: 1 PM
Location: Community Nature Center at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Join us for time in the new building, some snacks, the Friends Annual Report, the 2026 Spirit of the Wild Award, and a special treat. Members who attend will get a chance to vote on the 2026 Birdfest & Bluegrass Bird of the Year!
(click the image to download your invite!)
| All are welcome, but since we are celebrating members, it would be great if you could join us! Become a member, or renew your membership today! | | | |
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Speaking of BirdFest & Bluegrass...Partner with Us!
We’re inviting local businesses to sponsor BirdFest & Bluegrass — our annual community festival celebrating the Refuge, wildlife, and Ridgefield.
Sponsorship levels range from $250–$10,000, including venue sponsorship options.
Would your business be open to supporting this year? Or, tell us what kind of community involvement you’re most excited about this year, and we can suggest the best-fit level.
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From the Friends & the Refuge
Free Workshop Series!
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Join us for the final installment of our FREE Community Workshop Series at the Carty Unit!
🦊 Adapting to Change | May 6, 6:30–7:30 PM
Learn how SW WA wildlife navigates climate and land-use changes with David Zonana, PhD.
Space is limited! Register on the Refuge website, scan the QR code on the flyer, or click the link below!
These events are provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in collaboration with the Friends of Ridgefield NWR. Space is limited, so be sure to scan the QR codes on our flyer, visit the website, or click the links below, to sign up today!
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Raptor's Baseball Supporting Wildlife!
Support a good cause and enjoy summer baseball as the Ridgefield Raptors take on the NW Star Nighthawks on July 2nd!
50% of all ticket sales through our LINK ONLY will be split with the Friends of Ridgefield NWR!
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Bringing Mason Bees to the Classroom
Just wrapped up the first Agricultural Day at South Ridge Elementary in Ridgefield, WA, on April 15th, and it was a remarkable experience from start to finish. Seven classes of 2nd graders rotated through the tent, one class at a time, each arriving with curiosity and leaving with a new understanding of the small but essential role native bees play in our world...keep reading...
-Anne Bulger, Friends of Ridgefield NWR Board Member, & OSU Master Melittology Lead Instructor for the RNWR
| | | | Check out what bird species are being seen on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - both past and current archives - on our website, here. | |  | |
A Bee Story:
Surveying the Living Landscape
This month, rather than highlighting a single native bee, I found myself drawn to the broader experience of surveying them in the field. As an OSU Master Melittologist and a Washington Bee Atlas volunteer...keep reading...
-Anne Bulger, Friends of Ridgefield NWR Board Member, & OSU Master Melittology Lead Instructor for the RNWR
Image of Bee Fly nicoloetto/iNaturalist
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Ridgefield First Saturday
Spring Festival
May 2, 2026
Celebrate the changing of seasons at the annual Spring Festival in downtown Ridgefield!
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Join the Friends - Become a Member
Our new membership program means that all members will receive a digital member card, a free optional tote bag, a sticker, and more!
Members over $60 also gain access to the Soar into Wellness Program, & Members giving over $1000 are also included in a special website highlight!
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Friends Online Merch
Get the whole family geared up and support Refuge conservation with every purchase.
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Jigsaw Puzzles
If you're looking for gorgeous nature and wildlife photography on jigsaw puzzles, we have you covered!
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Friends Amazon Wishlist- You can directly support our work and the Refuge's initiatives! Whether it's habitat restoration or BirdFest & Bluegrass, we'll feature items essential to our many efforts toward achieving conservation and community outreach goals. Purchase from our list, and Amazon takes care of the rest! Get started, HERE.
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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's easy to sign up. Just click here. Or search, Friends of Ridgefield NWR #PK822
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Join the Friends of Ridgefield NWR Board for their monthly meeting. Meetings start at 5:00 PM every second Monday of the month and will be either virtual or in-person with a virtual option. Please contact us to find out how to join in!
Board Meeting Dates 2026:
May 11
Annual Member Meeting - May 30
June 8
July 13
August 10
September 14
*October 19
November 9
December 14
*moved due to a federal holiday or Board decision
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Become a Business Alliance Member
As a member of the Friends of the RNWR Business Alliance, you invest in one of our urban metropolitan area’s most unique and diverse natural and cultural resources. Find out more.
| | | Business Alliance Members: | | | Granting Organizations & Partners: | |
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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