Board of Directors

Get to know the faces of the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Board!

Dear Future Board Members

We’re seeking passionate individuals with skills in fundraising, board governance, or community representation. Or, if you simply have a heart for wildlife outreach and advocacy, we need you on our board! Together, we can make a difference for the creatures that call Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge home.

As the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, we are reaching out to community leaders who share our deep commitment to preserving the natural splendor that surrounds us. This year marks our 25th anniversary BirdFest & Bluegrass Festival – a quarter-century of conservation, education, and community engagement.

We are at a pivotal moment where our mission to protect and enhance the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge needs more than just passion; it requires action and leadership. This is where you come in. We are searching for dedicated individuals to join our board, individuals who are ready to drive fundraising efforts, shape board governance, and represent the heart of our community.

Join other supporters in safeguarding a legacy that will inspire future generations. Your involvement could make a profound difference not only in the life of the Refuge but also in the lives of the countless species that call it home.

We cordially invite you to become a part of our mission by considering a donation of your time and expertise. Your generosity will help us continue our vital work and expand our reach even further.

As a potential board member, your contribution extends beyond monetary support; it is about channeling your expertise and enthusiasm into a cause that has far-reaching impacts on environmental stewardship and community well-being.

We look forward to the possibility of you joining our team and helping us to champion the protection of our local wildlife and habitats. Together, we can ensure the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge thrives for another 25 years and beyond.

Interested? Let’s chat! Email us to explore how your talents can help preserve this natural treasure.

To join us to volunteer, be on a committee, or join the board, email us here

Join the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Board for their monthly meeting. Meetings start at 5pm every second Monday of the month (barring holidays or special circumstances) alternating monthly between virtual and in-person at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Meeting Room.

Email us to let us know if you would like to attend!

Board Meeting Dates for 2024:
January 8
February 12
March 11
April 8
May 13
June 10
July 8
August 12
September 9
October 15*
November 11
December 9
(*moved due to federal holiday or special circumstance)

Board Positions

  • President
  • Past President
  • Vice President
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer

Board Committees

  • Finance Committee
  • Grants Committee
  • Fundraising Committee
  • BirdFest & Bluegrass Committee
  • Community Nature Center Nature Store Committee
  • DEI Committee
  • Program Resource Advisory roles
  • Strategic Planning

Agendas & Minutes

The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Board holds regular public meetings and community members are invited to attend. Opportunities for the public to speak briefly are provided at each meeting, and comments and suggestions on business are welcome. Meetings are usually held every second Monday of the month beginning at 5PM in the meeting room at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters administrative offices or virtual on Zoom, alternating monthly.
*(Please let us know if you plan to attend, as meetings are subject to change)

AGENDA APPROVED MINUTES EXTRA DOCUMENTS
06/10/2024 Meeting
05/13/2024 Meeting 05/13/2024 Meeting Minutes Envision 2045 flyer
04/08/2024 Meeting 04/08/2024 Meeting Minutes
03/11/2024 Annual Meeting Friends 2023 Annual Report & Community Nature Center Funding Needs
02/12/2024 Meeting 02/12/2024 Meeting Minutes
01/10/2024 Meeting 01/10/2024 Meeting Minutes Community Asset Committee Annual Report
12/12/2023 Meeting 12/12/2023 Meeting Minutes Josie Finley Refuge Notes
11/13/2023 Meeting 11/13/2023 Meeting Minutes
10/10/2023 Meeting 10/10/2023 Meeting Minutes
09/13/2023 Meeting 09/13/2023 Meeting Minutes Walk for the Wild information Sheet Harness RoundUp Data Sheet
08/09/2023 Meeting 08/09/2023 Meeting Minutes Josie Finley Refuge Notes
07/19/2023 Meeting 07/19/2023 Meeting Minutes

Additional meeting materials from Board Meetings are available upon request.


 

Jim Maul

Board President

Lee Knottnerus

Vice President & Secretary

Suzanne Whitney

Board Treasurer

Tanna Engdahl

Board Member- Spiritual Leader Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Sam Robinson

Board Member- Vice Chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation

Alex Earl

Board Member

Abby Braithwaite

Board Member

Upcoming Events

Facebook

Support While You Shop

When Amazon removed AmazonSmile, we lost our Amazon Wishlist access. Now, we have finally started one back up! Shop for items that the Friends and the Refuge Complex need to help with everything from habitat restoration to events like BirdFest & Bluegrass, and help support wildlife in little and big ways.

Learn More »

Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (PK822). For more information, please visit the link below.

Learn More »