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From the Contact Station
Beaver, Nutria or Muskrat?
Among the many mammals we have on the refuge, most often seen are the nutria who can be confused with our beaver and the common muskrat. All three of these mammals are part of the order Rodentia, which comprises about 40% of all mammals around the world. Rodentia are characterized by a single pair of continuously growing incisors in each of the upper and lower jaws. That is one of the features you can clearly see as you observe these animals in the refuge.
Beavers are in their own family, Castoridae, while Nutria and Muskrat are, ...Keep Reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer & Board Past President |
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Cathlapotle Plankhouse Updates & Events
Cathlapotle Plankhouse Wrapping Up
As the Plankhouse season comes to a close, we just wanted to remind you all that the House will still be open from noon to 4:00 pm, every Saturday and Sunday through the second weekend of October!
You can also experience all the great activities and tours that you would normally find on a Second Sunday during BirdFest & Bluegrass October 5th! There will be Family Grove activities and crafts, Partner Booths, docents, hikes, and so much more - all happening on the Carty Unit during BirdFest & Bluegrass 2019! Make sure to stop by!
Cathlapotle Plankhouse, 28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Note: Main Ave will remains closed at Depot St. through BirdFest weekend. On the way to this unit, please follow detour signs to use Reiman or N Royle Rd. to access the unit. Detour Map found here. Or, during BirdFest & Bluegrass, October 5th, park at the Port and walk to the Carty Unit, or catch the trolly into town, up to Union Ridge, and the RACC Birders Marketplace!
 Preserve America is a national initiative in cooperation with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation; the U.S. Departments of Defense, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Education; the National Endowment for the Humanities; the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities; and the President's Council on Environmental Quality. |
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Habitat Restoration Updates & Events
Plant, maintain, protect
 Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Habitat Restoration 9 am - 12:30 pm
Wednesdays:
October: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
November: 6, 13, 20, 27
You are invited to make a difference on your local wildlife refuge! Join us to protect and rebuild native habitat on the Refuge through invasive plant removal and planting preparation. Volunteering will also give you the opportunity to remove barbed wire fencing to prevent wildlife injury and death.
Thursdays:
October: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
November: 7, 14, 21, 28
You are invited to help create a beautiful future for the new Oaks-to-Wetlands trail area. Between the months of March and July the “Oak Release” project removed 34 acres of fir trees on the refuge to conserve white oak habitat. Join us this fall to take part in an exciting mission to restore the native habitat through blackberry removal and seed planting.
For all work days: We provide snacks, coffee, and water. All work days are rain or shine. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Gloves and eye protection are provided. Arrive early to sign paperwork.
(click flyers to view larger or download)
Make your own mark on habitat restoration efforts and support us today.
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Species Spotlight
Sandhill Crane
Antigone canadensis
The first clue of the return of these huge birds is their sound. The Sandhill Crane’s call is a loud, rolling, trumpeting sound whose unique tone is a product of anatomy: Sandhill Cranes have long tracheas (windpipes) that coil into the sternum and help the sound develop a lower pitch and harmonics that add richness.
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Seeking Business Alliance Members 
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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Calling All Volunteers!
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Volunteer Opportunities:
Refuge and Trail Greeters
Over 120,000 visitors flock to the Refuge annually
to enjoy nature through participation in wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, cultural interpretation, hunting, and fishing. Volunteers help to make their experiences meaningful. Share your enthusiasm for nature and make the Refuge a welcoming place for people walking our trails, stopping at the Visitor Contact Station and driving the AutoTour.
Volunteers naturalists needed to walk trails and teach people about what they can see and enjoy
at the Refuge this summer!
If you are interested email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov to be put on the
update list.
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Cathlapotle Plankhouse
The Cathlapotle Plankhouse draws thousands of visitors to the Refuge each year. Help share the legacy of the Indigenous people who have tended to this place since time immemorial as a Plankhouse Docent or Cultural Educator. Field trips take place during the weekdays. Docents staff the house on weekends from April - September.
To get on the list for more information as it comes out, email RidgefieldEducation@fws.gov with the subject line "New Plankhouse Volunteer"
Support the Friends Help us inspire people to support the Refuge! Whether you help us out during BirdFest & Bluegrass in October by giving directions or helping set up, or by providing outreach for what the Friends do, or joining the board or a committee, every little bit helps. Now you can sign up to volunteer easily on our website! Check it out by clicking here!
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Birding Enthusiasts
Check out what species are being seen on the Refuge here. |
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Ridgefield First Saturday:
BirdFest & Bluegrass
October 5, 2019
Help celebrate the 20th Anniversary of BirdFest! Enjoy the sights and sounds of fall migration and bluegrass music throughout Ridgefield!
A festival that spans downtown Ridgefield and the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge with a trolley to transport you in between.
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