September 2017 Newsletter

Cathlapotle Plankhouse Second Sunday Event 

 (click poster to view larger or download)

We hope to see you there!

Kiwa Trail Night Hike 

Night Hike: Planet Walk

September 6th, 7:15 pm - 8:15 pm

Kiwa trailhead, River 'S' Unit

Reservations Required!

(click poster to view pdf)

For further information, contact: Sean_Davis@fws.gov

Limited to 20 participants, must email to RSVP, appropriate for families.

Come walk the Refuge after hours, under the full moon! Our theme will be a planet walk, but be prepared to experience wildlife we don't normally encounter during the day on the Auto Tour Route like bats, owls, and coyotes! There will be a good deal of walking. Bring an extra layer, and comfortable walking shoes.

From the River 'S' Contact Station 

'Migration is starting'

by Susan Setterberg

This is an exciting time of year.  Birds are moving south after, we hope, successful nesting seasons. Watch for shorebirds coming through. Look at muddy edges where they will be probing for food. Long-billed Dowitchers and Greater Yellowlegs have been seen already. You never know what might show up on any given day. Keep Reading...

Ridgefield Refuge Complex

News & Events

 

 

 

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge  

 

River 'S' Closures in September

The Refuge has received Emergency Funding to repair the landslide along the River 'S' entrance road that occurred last winter.  This repair is anticipated to last one week and will require the total closure of the road to the public.  The actual date of construction is still being refined.  But the project should occur in September or early October (not including BirdFest weekend).  Once the date is confirmed, it will be promptly announced on website of the Friends and Refuge. The Carty Unit will remain open as always. 

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 More Projected Closures: 

The Refuge is completing several projects on the River 'S' Unit in September.  So anticipate personnel and equipment working in closed areas of the Refuge.  Projects include.....

1) Construction of a levee across South Big Lake to increase flexibility in allowing extended drawdown and flooded periods that are necessary for wetland plant diversity and productivity.

2) Construction of a water line on the north end of River 'S' to allow more efficient pumping into multiple wetlands.

3) Fence installation in the middle of the tour route to exclude cattle from of the East Drain Ditch

The Carty Unit will remain open as always.  

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Thank you for visiting the refuge and supporting conservation. If you have any questions regarding activities and regulations on the refuge, call the office Monday through Friday 7:30am to 3:30 pm at 360-887-4106.

Habitat Restoration

Updates & Events 

Summer into Fall

Summer volunteering on the Refuge is spent mostly in our wetlands. Folks form a line with tools and trash bags at the ready and move purposely back and forth from one habitat edge to the other. Ricefield bulrush is a very distinctive plant and easy to see in the open, but requires a keen eye and persistence when vegetation is thick. Lucky for us we have dedicated volunteers that return week after week with determination and a well-developed prey image. We started in June wading through shin deep water...

Keep Reading for more about a recent fence removal, upcoming volunteer event plans and more!...

Now you can sign up to volunteer easily on our website! Check it out by clicking here! 

 Camas Habitat Restoration Project

A 1200 square foot area was cleared and covered in preparation for a native plant habitat restoration project. A group of students from Clark College secured a donation of 100 camas bulbs from Scholls Valley Nursery and prepped the site in early June for a fall planting. We need help both purchasing more bulbs, and planting them! Find out more here! 

(click this poster to view larger and download)

Questions? Contact Keith_Rutz@fws.gov for more information

Summer is almost over at the Refuge! 

Don't forget that the Kiwa Trail closes for the season at the end of September, with BirdFest weekend being your last chance until next spring! Come on down and enjoy the beautiful weather in a beautiful place!

1. Water: Make sure to bring water with you whether you are planning a long or a short visit, it is going to be a hot summer and there is no access to drinking water on the refuge.

2. Restroom facilities: There are restrooms at the trailheads of both the Carty and River ‘S’ Units, and one stop right before the Kiwa Trail on the River ‘S’ Auto Tour Route, but there are no other facilities available to the public.

3. Bring a Snack: Just like with water, we want you to stay healthy and happy, plan to bring a snack on longer walks, but keep in mind there are no picnic areas on the refuge.

4. Trash Receptacles: There are no trash cans available so please pack out anything you bring in with you, we really appreciate it, and the wildlife does too!

5. Appropriate Shoes: If you plan to walk anywhere on the refuge, we recommend wearing shoes that protect your feet. While refuge staff strive to keep grasses, poison oak and stinging nettle back from the trails, they are always around, as well as fallen branches, rocks and more.

6. Fire: Fireworks and burning are strictly prohibited on the refuge, please protect our wildlife.

7. Ticks: Ticks are crafty, even on open trails they can find their way onto humans, so make sure to check yourself after a visit to the Refuge.

8. Heat: If the temperatures become too extreme, the Cathlapotle Plankhouse may be closed during it's regular open hours on the weekend. Keep up to date on sudden closures by checking the Friends Facebook page here. You do not need to have a Facebook account to check.

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Header Photo Credit: Gretchen Thompson 2010 Photo Contest Honorable
Mention