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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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Commemorative Buttons on Sale!
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. .jpg)
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... 
Enjoy 5% off at the Sportsman's Steakhouse and Saloon in Historic Downtown Ridgefield with your member card! 
![🙌🌟 Celebrating National Volunteer Week! 🌟🙌
It's #NationalVolunteerWeek, and we want to give a big shoutout to all the incredible volunteers who make a difference in our communities every day! 🤝💙
Whether it's dedicating their time to support local organizations, lending a helping hand to those in need, or spreading kindness through acts of service, volunteers play a crucial role in making the world a better place. Thank you for your selflessness and inspiring others to join in the spirit of giving back. 🌍💚
Tag a volunteer or share your volunteer experience in the comments below! Let's celebrate and recognize the power of volunteering. 💪🌟
#ThankfulForVolunteers #Wednesdaymotivation
[image description: Volunteers, Refuge staff, Puddles the Blue Goose, and families line up to play games during a Refuge welcome event in 2023]](https://ridgefieldfriends.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png?x53285)