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Image credit: Barbara Burgess, 2024, 1st Place, Landscape Category, Pro Photo Supply Refuge Photo Contest
The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge The latest updates & news | September 2026
The Ridgefield NWR Admin Office is open weekdays, as staff availability allows: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Office phone number: 360-887-4106
Community Nature Center Hours:
Check the events page for when you can visit the new building. Hours and times for the Community Nature Center and the Office will vary over the next few months as we transition to offering this new experience at the Refuge. The staff of the Refuge and the Friends appreciate your patience.
Learn More: Official Refuge Website
Friends of Ridgefield NWR Official Position
on Port of Ridgefield Development PlanThe Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge have completed and submitted our official Position Statement regarding the proposed Port of Ridgefield Waterfront Development Plan to Port leadership and the City of Ridgefield.
Following careful evaluation, technical consultations with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service staff, and input from our community, our Board has outlined key ecological concerns regarding habitat, migratory waterfowl, and dark-sky protections, alongside constructive recommendations for a low-impact, Refuge-Forward vision.
We invite our community to review our full statement and mitigation recommendations.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Wins
Best of Clark County for Outdoor FunRidgefield National Wildlife Refuge was officially voted Best Outdoor Fun in The Columbian 2026 Best of Clark County awards!
The best part? This win was 100% powered by you—our amazing community—with no big ad campaigns required. On behalf of the Refuge and the Friends team, thank you to everyone who voted, visits, and supports this special place.
This award belongs to all of us who cherish and protect the Refuge!
Ridgefield First SaturdayRidgefield Multicultural Festival September 5, 2026 Come celebrate our diverse community at the 9th annual Multicultural Festival on Saturday, September 5. The Ridgefield Multicultural Festival is an annual celebration of cultures held in downtown Ridgefield, WA. This is a free, kid-friendly event where everyone is welcome. The festival includes performances, crafts and activities, First Saturday and Farmers Market vendors, and more! Limited Time, Pop-Up History Museum Meeting History- Exploring Ridgefield’s Told & Untold Stories
In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, explore Ridgefield’s rich history through local stories, civic traditions, including a special exhibit highlighting the Refuge and the Friends—complete with an interactive timeline where you can add a dot to mark the year of your very first visit (special thanks to Fibre Federal Credit Union for sponsoring our display!).
Don't miss your last chance to visit on Saturday, September 5th.
New Free Community WorkshopsCanoe Journeys: Traveling with our cousins & Ancestors
September 15, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Sam Robinson, Mildred Robinson, and their Granddaughter Destany are looking forward to sharing the history of Tribal Canoe Journeys and their experiences while traveling by canoe. There will be songs and dance, along with pictures and videos shared! alqi ntsayka nanich kʰanawi ɬaksta (ɬater we will see you all) Mason Bees Unwrapped: The Art & Science of Cocoon Harvesting November 14, 10:00 - 11:30 AM Discover the world of native Mason bees with Master Gardener and Master Melittologist Anne Bulger! Learn about their unique life cycle, peek inside nesting tubes, and watch a live demo on harvesting and cleaning cocoons to protect these pollinators from winter pests and diseases. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced host, you'll leave with practical tips to help native bees.
Ridgefield Art Association Refuge Art Contest! This contest, a partnership between The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the Ridgefield Art Association, is open to bird-loving visual artists of all ages and skill levels.
We invite submissions of bird-themed artwork, particularly featuring species found within the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
We welcome the following age categories: - Hatchling: K-4th grade
- Nestling: 5th-8th grade
- Fledgling: 9th-12th grade
- Adult: 18+
To enter, each participant must fill out all items on the entry form. Drop-Off: October 2, 2026
The Refuge Needs Your Help this September 24📷 Red-winged blackbird by Bill Lowney Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is thrilled to announce we're joining Give More 24! on September 24th, Clark County's most impactful day of community giving!
The Refuge is a local treasure, and it needs your support to thrive. This year, we’ve set an ambitious goal to raise $20,000. These vital funds will power advocacy, nature education, and community programs that simply wouldn't exist without you.
Our theme this year is simple yet powerful: “The Refuge Needs Your Help.”
World Migratory Bird Day with Vancouver AudubonSept 19, 10 AM - 1 PM
Water Resources Ed Center
4600 SE Columbia Way
Vancouver, WA 98661It’s time for Vancouver Audubon’s 3rd annual Migratory Bird Celebration!
Join us for a free and family-friendly morning of games, crafts, and bird outings. In partnership with the City of Vancouver’s Water Resources Education Center, this event is a great opportunity to learn about the conservation needs that support bird migration: clean and available water sources, native plants, insects, and habitats. All ages are welcome; no registration necessary! Plus, you can stop by the Friends of Ridgefield NWR table and say "Hi!"!
Volunteer with the FriendsWe need members and supporters willing to put on a metaphorical Friends volunteer hat, and help us spread the word about memberships, sponsorships, business perks, and all the work the Friends are doing in the new Community Nature Center! No experience required; we can work with you to get started.
(click to view or download PDF) September 3 & 17 October 1 & 15 November 12 10:30-11:00 AM Put on your adventure boots and join your Ridgefield Community Library pals at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for Storytime! The shiny new Community Nature Center will welcome curious wanderers from 10AM to 12PM, with a library-led storytime from 10:30-11:00. The trails are also always calling for some daytime exploring fun! No need to sign up, just drop on by!
Check out what bird species are being seen on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - both past and current archives - on our website. Soft Wool, Tough Bee: Meet the Wool CarderAt first glance, the European wool carder bee (Anthidium manicatum) seems to have a rather gentle story. A female visits fuzzy plants such as lamb’s ear and uses her toothed mandibles to scrape...keep reading...
-Anne Bulger, Friends of RNWR Board Member, & OSU Master Melittology Lead Instructor for the RNWR Complex Image of Wool Carder Bee (Anthidium manicatum) by Walter B. Klockers
Red-winged blackbird buttons for sale, $5.00 each, at select locations starting now!
Sponsor BirdFest & Bluegrass, our annual festival celebrating the Refuge, wildlife, and our community! Full Schedule Coming Soon!
Join the Friends - Become a MemberAll members will receive a digital member card, a free optional tote bag, a sticker, and other perks. Members over $60 also gain access to the Soar into Wellness Program, & Members giving over $1000 are also included in a special website highlight!
Get the whole family geared up and support Refuge conservation with every purchase. If you're looking for gorgeous nature and wildlife photography on jigsaw puzzles, we have you covered!
When you link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to the Friends, you help us earn donations from Fred Meyer Community Rewards. It's easy! Search Friends of Ridgefield NWR, #PK822 Friends Amazon Wishlist- Support our work and the Refuge's initiatives! Whether it's habitat restoration or BirdFest & Bluegrass, we'll feature items essential to efforts toward achieving conservation and community outreach goals.
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: - September 14
- *October 19
- November 9
- December 14
*moved due to a federal holiday or Board decision
Become a Business Alliance MemberAs 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 more updates on Refuge events & happenings? Follow the Friends on social media or our website by clicking the logos below! Stay connected when you're off the Refuge.
Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge | PO BOX 1022 | Ridgefield, WA 98642 |
