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The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
The latest updates | September, 2021
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From the Friends
Updates from the Board of Directors
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We are thinking a lot about finances this month, especially as we transition between treasurers. Katie Clark, who has been our treasurer for the last year and a half, is off to new adventures and we are excited to welcome board member (and Ridgefield local!) Leslie Lopez into the role.
I want to take this opportunity to thank both Katie and Leslie for being willing to do this work. It’s not flashy, but the Friends would not be here without the steady hand over the years of our treasurers and bookkeeper.
Financial transparency is how an organization shows its integrity, and at the Friends we are committed to it. Our monthly statements and yearly tax forms are available to the public upon request, as well as our financial policies. Our annual report includes our budget and is clear about where our funds come from and where they’re going.
As always, we are grateful for the support of our members and our community that enables us to support the Refuge.
Drew Smith-Sahnow
Board President
Image: Leslie Lopez, new Board Treasurer
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We’re counting down the days to September 23rd and Give More 24! Now you have a chance to be a part of Southwest Washington’s day of giving – an opportunity to unite our community around causes in which we truly believe and help nonprofit organizations connect to the larger community.
We need your help! Please join our campaign and help us reach our goal of $5,000.00! We need you to tell your friends and family members about the important work we do and ask them to join us in helping to make a difference.
Get ready to give! Starting at 12 AM on September 23rd, visit our giving page here and make a donation to us. You will have 24 hours to make your donation, and all giving will end at 11:59 PM on September 23.
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From the Refuge
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Hunting
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It is nearly fall. And with the fall comes the return of the waterfowl hunting program at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. I have a long history with the hunting program at the Refuge. In fact, my first job at this Refuge (over 25-years ago) was operating the hunter check station. While I grew up hunting big game, I was new to waterfowl hunting. Operating the check station and working with waterfowlers was an immersion into new tactics, etiquettes, rules/regulations, equipment, and traditions. For several seasons I hunted waterfowl with some limited success. But like other endeavors, my duck calls now reside in the closet of hobbies past with my fly tying kit and golf clubs. With this article, I would like to share some experiences working with waterfowl community and managing a hunting program for decades. I realize that most people reading this article are not waterfowl hunters. But with hunting returning to the Refuge on Oct. 16th, I’d like to share information about why, what, where, when, and who of the Ridgefield waterfowl hunt program.
Why: Congress has defined that National Wildlife Refuges should place emphasis on public uses that are wildlife dependent. That is to say, it requires wildlife to support these recreations. These have been defined as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, education, and interpretation. Not all refuges allow hunting. Each refuge is to decide if hunting is appropriate and compatible with the purpose for which the Refuge was established. When Ridgefield Refuge was created in 1965, it was assigned a specific purpose. The Refuge's purpose is to provide wintering habitat for waterfowl with an emphasis on dusky Canada geese. Additionally, the Refuge's purpose statement identifies that the Refuge will provide a waterfowl hunting opportunity for the public. Supporting the Refuge's purpose, the Refuge continues to manage 5300 acres of habitat for wintering waterfowl and maintains a ~750-acre public waterfowl hunt program.... Keep Reading...
-Eric Anderson, Ridgefield Refuge Complex Deputy Project Manager
-Image by Dave Lescaleet, Active Military Man and his 3-year-old son at the RNWR Veteran's Hunt Feb 3rd 2021
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Ridgefield Refuge Complex News & Events
Gate Times for Both Units: 6:30 AM – 8:00 PM
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SEASONAL TRAIL UPDATES:
The Kiwa Trail closes for the season on September 30th, as does the Carty Lake Trail.
If the Kiwa parking lot is full, please do another loop and try again instead of parking along the sides of the road.
Don't forget that the Oaks-to-Wetlands Trail, within the Oak Restoration area, is closed Thursdays for trail maintenance.
NOTE: The Washington State Discover Pass is not valid on Federally managed public lands, including National Wildlife Refuges.
Check the Refuge2020.info website for project updates, like the Steigerwald Lake reconnection project, Carty Unit Oaks-to-Wetlands Trail developments, and more!
To feel more connected to nature and the Refuge while staying home, stay tuned to the Friends Social Media streams on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - we are working to share activities, videos of nature on and off the Refuge, and more. Social links can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.
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2021 Refuge Photo Contest |
CATEGORIES:
- BIRDS
- WILDLIFE
- PLANT LIFE
- LANDSCAPE & STRUCTURES
ADULT CATEGORY PRIZES:
1st Place in each category: $150 Pro Photo Supply Gift Card
YOUTH PRIZES:
1st Place: $75 Gift Card
2nd Place: $50 Gift Card
3rd Place: $25 Gift Card
*Gift Cards from Pro Photo Supply*
If you know anyone who would be interested or able to enter this contest (photos taken at Ridgefield only) share it with them, or have them sign up for our newsletter on our website, to get the info themselves!
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BirdFest & Bluegrass 2021
BirdFest & Bluegrass is a joint event planned in a partnership between the City of Ridgefield and the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge that includes virtual and in-person activities such as a self-led Refuge hike, and crafts, musical performances, and a Pickers Festival in downtown Ridgefield!
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You don’t have to have a Facebook account in order to view any of the great content, now or in the future.
Celebrate BirdFest & Bluegrass 2021 and our “Back to the Refuge” theme!
Commemorate 2021 in style with a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt, sporting our “Back to the Refuge” logo on the front, and the Friends logo on the back.
These items will be for sale until September 15th – and ship 12 days after that. You can also choose to pick them up without paying for shipping – orders will be available to pick up on Saturday, October 2nd in the Saturday Market area of BirdFest & Bluegrass, in downtown Ridgefield!
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BirdFest & Bluegrass 2021 Commemorative Buttons
Find the 2020 BirdFest & Bluegrass commemorative buttons featuring the Bird of the Year, the American Crow at local Vancouver and Ridgefield Businesses, find the list HERE!
Scroll to the bottom of our BirdFest page for details and facts about Crows with videos, links, and more!
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From the Contact Station
Coyote - a howling success
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We’ve been getting several coyote reports on the sightings board of late. The haying operation, which started early in July, probably helped for a couple reasons. First, the coyotes weren’t hidden by the high grasses anymore and, second, the critters the coyotes hunt were easier to find. Our coyotes, Canus latrans, generally are gray but can show black, brown, or rusty fur. They weigh between 20 to 35 pounds and an adult male can be 25 inches tall at the shoulder. Coyotes have comparatively short, bushy tails that are carried low, almost dragging the ground. Their narrow muzzle is good for chasing rodents and other critters into holes in the ground. Its Latin name, Canis latrans, means "barking dog". Coyotes create a variety of vocalizations ...Keep Reading...
-Susan Setterberg, Contact Station Volunteer
- Photo of coyotes, Gary Davenport, 2013 Refuge Photo Contest 3rd Place
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Cathlapotle Plankhouse Updates & Events
Virtual Second Sunday Series, September 12th, 2021
In Search of Our Grandmothers
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11 AM: Join the Friends and Staff of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for our final Second Sunday of the year, Sunday, September 12th, at 11 AM virtually along with community Elder Judy Bridges for an intimate talk on the process of researching your own ancestry and putting it down on paper. Judy, a long-time friend of the Plankhouse, most often brings her weaving skills to share, but this time we wanted to highlight other aspects of this honored Aunty's life.
10 AM: Start the day with us at 10 AM for family activity time, where we teach you how to make ink from an oak gall, and Trail Tips with the Fish & Wildlife Service. Family activity bags will be available to pick up ahead of time, starting Saturday, September 4th, while supplies last!
Family activity kits for September will include what you need for oak gall ink making! Receive everything you need for this month’s craft inside of a color-it-yourself canvas bag.
EVENT: Sunday, September 12th, 2021, @ 10 & 11 AM, online!
Second Sundays in 2021 will be virtual and can be viewed on and after the event dates on the Friends Facebook and Youtube Channels.
ałqui,
-Juliet McGraw, Friends of RNWR Community & Cultural Education Director
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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. RNWR Page here.
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Habitat Restoration Updates & Events
August 2021 Habitat Recap
It has been a month full of tractor work for our Habitat Restoration staff. In the wetlands infested with Ricefield Bulrush and Reed Canary grass, the tractors were brought in for mowing and discing in order to disrupt the root systems and make it harder for the invasives to regrow. We were also able to make it into Middle Lake this month - the only Bulrush-infested wetland that wasn’t aerial sprayed due to the nesting of the Sandhill Cranes. With the help of Friends volunteers and the FWS biotechs, we were able to remove about 40 large Bulrush plants from the wetland, as well as treat over 40 Purple Loosestrife plants with herbicide.
Herbicide applications for various invasive weeds are still ongoing throughout the complex, although our focus has shifted to hitting patches of Purple Loosestrife, Thistles, Common Mullein, and treating the Fire lines/tops of pit blinds that have Poison Hemlock growing around them.
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Volunteer work parties are still occurring about twice a week, weather permitting, and our focus this month has mainly been planting maintenance around the auto-tour route and brush blading Himalayan Blackberry/Reed Canary grass down at the Port. In September we will be shifting work party efforts back to Bulrush searches in the wetlands that were reflooded for a second round of germination. We are looking forward to fall temperatures and the rainy season bringing on a whole new round of projects!
-Emily Lane, Friends of RNWR Habitat Restoration Technician
Photo caption: Habitat volunteers removing Ricefield Bulrush & tractor with discing equipment.
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Check out what species are being seen on the Refuge here.
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Ridgefield First Saturdays -
Multicultural Festival
September 4, 2021
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Celebrate diversity with your community through fun activities and games, crafts, performances, and educational opportunities.
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Species Spotlight
Cedar Waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum
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For some reason, late summer always makes me think of waxwings. I know small numbers of them spend the winter, especially in the interior of the state, and many more arrive in spring to breed throughout our deciduous and mixed woodlands; but the thought persists. Maybe it’s because the first time I saw a waxwing in real life it was at the end of the summer. Maybe it’s just because the leaves are starting to brown and draw more attention to their branches. Either way...Keep Reading...
-Samantha Zeiner, Friends of RNWR Administrative Coordinator
-Photo by Jim Cruce, 2015 Refuge Photo Contest Honorable Mention
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Friends Photo Contest Merchandise |
Check out our store items, with more being added all the time! We have mugs that change colors, tote bags, sweatshirts, and more, all featuring our 2019 and 2020 Refuge Photo Contest winning photos. Get your friends and family (or yourself!) a gift that will remind them of nature's beauty and support a wonderful cause!
If there isn't something you like, you can always donate, or buy a membership to the Friends in someone's name - an annual gift program that supports wildlife, habitat, volunteers, education, and more.
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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 educational and cultural programs of the Ridgefield NWR, and 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 5pm every second Monday of the month and will be on Zoom until further notice, contact us to join in!
September 13th, October 18th (moved for Indigenous Peoples Day), November 8th, December 13th
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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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Log on to smile.amazon.com and shop as you usually would - .5% of your purchase will be donated directly to the Friends! Use the link with your existing user name and password. When prompted to select a charity, choose the Friends of Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. |
Giving Assistant makes it easy to donate to Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge! Simply shop online, earn cash back, and donate as much as 30% of your purchase price - Giving Assistant facilitates the whole process. Now, you can help change the world for free while saving money at over 3,000 popular online retailers like Home Depot, ULTA, and Macy’s! Start HERE! Thanks for being an EcoShopper and helping the Refuge!
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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 at Vinnie's Pizza 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: Raul Moreno, 2017, 2nd Place, 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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