Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge 50th Anniversary

On May 18, 1965 The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge was established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to provide winter habitat for Dusky Canada geese and other wildlife. Today, the Refuge preserves over 5,000 acres of diverse habitats and archaeological sites alongside the Columbia River. The Refuge is continuing a legacy of stewardship that began with the Chinookan Peoples of the lower Columbia River. Since time immemorial they have tended to the oak woodlands, camas fields, and wapato patches of the Refuge, maintaining habitat for wildlife while supporting the lives of the people who lived here. With this same intention the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Friends of Ridgefield NWR now manage the Refuge as both a sanctuary for wildlife and an area for people seeking to connect with nature.

The Friends of Ridefield NWR are proud to be part of this legacy of conservation,  stewardship, and partnership with Pelican Brewing Company. Pairing Ridgefield NWR with Pelican Brewing Company is natural—not only do white pelicans visit the Refuge, but Pelican Brewing Company has shown ongoing support for natural resource conservation in the Northwest. Through this partnership, we hope to connect people to the Refuge and share its natural wonder.

The commemorative label showcases the beauty and diversity of the Refuge by highlighting 50 species that call the Refuge home. How many species can you identify? Click on the label to get a closer look. 

Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

The Friends of the Ridgefield NWR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit who’s mission is to support, protect, and enhance the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and its wildlife habitat, and to broaden public awareness and participation in its environmental, cultural, and educational opportunities. This mission comes to life by managing the habitat restoration activities on the Refuge, and the cultural education programs in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. The Friends is funded through grants, donations, and our membership base, and we are always in need of more support
to ensure that our work on the Refuge continues for the next 50 years and beyond.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is part of the National
Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Refuge System manages and protects 150 million acres of land and water plus more than 418 million acres of national marine monuments. The Refuge System is the world’s largest network of public lands and waters set aside specifically for conserving wildlife and protecting ecosystems. There is at least one national wildlife refuge in every state.

Visitors to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge can view a variety of wildlife within minutes of the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. Ridgefield provides opportunities for urban residents to find, appreciate, and care for nature that once occurred in abundance along the lower Columbia River. Our continued commitment will increase opportunities for meaningful experiences in nature, both on the Refuge and in the community that can be shared with young and old from all walks of life.

Feel free to visit the Refuge to experience trails, auto tour route, fishing and hunting, and cultural history interpretation in a contemporary Plankhouse.

Pelican Brewing Company

Pelican Brewing Company, 2014 World Beer Cup Small Brewing Co. Champion, is the perfect partner for this milestone. From May to October, Pelican is offering limited edition bottles of their award-winning Imperial Pelican Ale across the west coast. For locations in WA and OR where Pelican beers are poured on tap, there will also be special coasters and pint glasses celebrating the Refuge.  Glasses and coasters are available for purchase at their brewpubs on the Oregon coast, and a portion of the sales will be donated to the Friends.