Discover abundant wildlife close to home. In any direction from the heart of the cities, you’re 30
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The National Wildlife Refuges of the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area are our common ground; places we can all connect with nature's bounty of benefits, no matter which one speaks most strongly to each of us. Shared by all Americans for the protection of wildlife, the refuges of Portland-Vancouver also offer people the opportunity deepen their understanding and appreciation of our natural resources t
hrough experiencing the nature of the Pacific Northwest. Like nature's giant hug around an urban population, the reufgues of Portland-Vancouver can be found no matter which direction you head from the cities. To the north, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge offers a glimpse of both the natural and cultural history of the area. Located near the connection of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the area has been vital to wildlife and humans alike. You can enjoy trails, an auto tour, a full-size replica of a traditional Cathlopotle plankhouse, and a number of engaging programs. To the south is Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, where in a short distance from Portland the honking of cars is replaced by the honking of geese. You and your family will feel welcomed by a beautiful visitor center, easy-to-access trails and overlooks, guided programs, and an incredible variety of the region's signature species. To the east lies Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge. Here, in addition to breathtaking views and a vibrant wildlife community, you will find a one-of-a-kind art trail. Easy to walk, the installations along the trail share nature's wisdom and insights in non-traditional ways, inviting you to draw your own conclusions about our place in the environment. To the west is Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the newest of this quartet of wild landscapes. While not yet open to the public, restoration plans are underway that will help this up-and-comer take its place among the rest of our region's natural treasures. For information about Ridgefield NWR, visit:
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield/
For information about Tualatin River NWR, visit:
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/tualatin_river/
For information about Steigerwald Lake NWR, visit:
http://www.fws.gov/refuge/steigerwald_lake/
Portland Parks & Recreation is hosting the first annual Recreation Resource Fair for People with Disabilities this Saturday in East Portland. The Portland-Vancouver National Wildlife Refuges will be there with many of our community partners, including Access Recreation, I'm Hooked Inc., and NW Family Daycation, sharing awesome outdoor opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy.
The Friends of the Refuge are bringing back their amazing native plant sale for the first time in four years! We hope to see you there on April 20th and 21st! (Special preview sale for Friends members on April 19th).
The Friends are so excited to offer our Native Plant Sale again ! It’s been 4 years since our last one. Please help us get the word out by sharing our post. Our beautiful native plants come from Bosky Dell Natives, a local nursery that is region recognized for their diversity and quality of native plants!
Why do ducks fly south for the winter?
It’s too far to waddle...
The Washington Deadline for the Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest is approaching quickly!
Make sure to mail yours by February 15th or fly it over to Ridgefield NWR.
Learn more about entering: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield/junior-duck-stamp
We are head over wings, to see this year's entries. Want to see them too? Special site-specific judging open to the public (of selected entries), will be held on March 26th at the Ridgefield NWR Admin Office in Ridgefield, WA. Stop by to cast your vote!
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge plans to hold a prescribed fire at its location in Sherwood, OR, on Tuesday, September 19th. All trails will be closed for the burn. For more information check out the following press release.
https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2023-09/using-prescribed-fire-restore-habitat-wildlife-and-plants
If you have questions call 503-625-5944 or email [email protected].
Friends of the Refuge Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards USFWS Columbia Pacific Northwest Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Join the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge staff and partners for a fun community event both August 19th and August 26th for Movies Night! Popcorn, activities and movies, what more do you need on a Saturday! See you soon!
This is Latino Conservation Week! Latinos are fish biologists, botanists, bird biologists, rangers, refuge managers, maintenance professionals and volunteers, who consistently help us conserve America’s wild places and wildlife every day. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners with the Hispanic Access Foundation in support of the foundation's annual initiative to amplify the Latino community’s passion for the outdoors. The celebration, held in mid-to-late July each year, includes online, self-guided and in-person activities at national wildlife refuges, national fish hatcheries and other public lands to increase opportunities to engage the next generation of conservationists. and http://ow.ly/lNSZ50JIfUR
For Juliette Gutierrez Fernandez, national wildlife refuge manager, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is family: http://ow.ly/cSb650FCGSQ
“Conservation heroes are all around us. In my conservation career, my experiences and upbringing have driven me to reach out to my Hispanic community, go back to the schools I attended as a child, share experiences and provide opportunities. We often think of spotting scopes and bird lists on refuges, but I tend to look at family gathering spots, native gardens that encourage backyard hummingbirds, and living-wage internship opportunities.” - Juliette
How do you connect with nature and wildlife?
📷: Juliette Fernandez
This Wednesday, June 14th, is Tualatin River NWR's next Puddle Stomper's program. Join our volunteers from 10 AM - 12 PM to learn about Ladybugs! This program is designed for children ages 0-5 and their families. Come out and enjoy the sun and have a little fun.
Friends of the Refuge
Join us at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge for a Nature Talk about Freshwater Mussels. The presentation will be held Friday, June 16th, from 2 PM - 3 PM in the Visitor Center. Everyone is welcome. Come learn about mussels from Xerces Society Biologist, Emilie Blevins, along with Michele Weaver of ODFW!
A birding experience for every-body! Come challenge your senses and learn birding by ear! Sign up today by calling 360-887-4106
Come celebrate in the community!
Youth Photography Workshop
May 20th, 2023, 10 AM - 12 AM
Come join us for an interactive youth photography workshop at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge! Learn photography basics from Steigerwald Photography Group leaders, Ken Pitts and Beth Marlin-Lichter. https://gorge-refuge-stewards.herokuapp.com/youthphotocontest
Learn:
Tips on the four categories of the Gorge Refuge Stewards'
What makes a photograph both pleasing to view and compellingly memorable
How to avoid common photography mistakes
& More!
(event limited to 10 youth participants, first come, first serve)
A parent or guardian is asked to join their youth photographer in this workshop.
The workshop will start inside in the meeting room at Ridgefield Refuge headquarters, and the last half of the workshop will be spent with group leaders outside practicing composing and taking photographs on the Ridgefield Carty Unit Oaks-to-Wetlands Trail.
Dress for the weather and for walking on a paved and dirt trail.
Free entrance for an event hosted by the refuge.
This contest is open to any youth, 10-18 years of age, who have visited Steigerwald Lake NWR, and have taken photos within the boundaries of the refuge during the time period between Oct 1, 2022 and May 29, 2023.
For FREE family fun in the outdoors, don't miss this 34th annual event from our partner, I'm Hooked Inc., at Henry Hagg Lake on June 3rd and 4th. Whether you and your little ones are new to fishing or you've been away from the activity for awhile and want to get back into it, this is the event for you.
Activities include:
- Angler Education
- Water Safety
- Shoreline Fishing
- Musical Art Experience
- Free lunch for the kids
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also be there with a wildlife exploration station and the NW Family Daycation "Big Red Tent"!
It all happens at Henry Hagg Lake, Boat Ramp C, June 3rd and 4th. Register in advance at www.imhookedinc.org
Our partner, PSU Indigenous Nations Studies program, is reclaiming this Urban Landscape with micro-prairies and an Oak Savanna. Through community-based learning, students are gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of the land and Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge—while preparing themselves for career pathways that will support healthy people and landscapes.
Students also engage at our local national wildlife refuges, working together to steward landscapes—like a wet prairie at Tualatin River NWR (see photo in comments).
to Sophia for winning the 2023 Best of Show for the Washington State Junior Duck Stamp art contest. Their stunning entry of a male wood duck done in acrylic will be headed to the National competition, which will be held on April 22 at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Conservation Training Center in West Virginia.
Also headed to West Virginia is the winning Conservation Message, written by Nirupama Niranjan, age 16
"Curiosity id our driver; wildlife our engine and conservation is our destination."
Let's cheer both them on as representatives of the wonderful artwork and written messages entered in this year's competition.
Artwork (C)Sophia Q.
Photo Credit: Friends of Ridgefield NWRC, Sam Zeiner
Calling all kids of ages five and under! Grab your parent(s) and come on out to Tualatin River NWR on April 12th, from 10 AM - 12 PM, to learn about Canada Geese with our Puddle Stompers program. The rain is sure to make it a puddle stomping good time. Email [email protected] to RSVP your attendance. See you on the Refuge!
In two short weeks, you're invited to celebrate the opening of Wapato Lake NWR with us on March 18th, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, in Gaston, OR. Come and explore the Refuge and network with our partners that do fantastic work around the region.
https://www.fws.gov/event/wapato-lake-nwr-welcome-ceremony-and-open-house
USFWS National Wildlife Refuge System USFWS Migratory Birds Friends of the Refuge USFWS Columbia Pacific Northwest USFWS Fisheries Clean Water Services Access Recreation
Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), and partners, will host a Community Welcome Ceremony and Open House. We invite you to join us. The event will include a ceremony, from 10:00 am – 10:45 am in the Gaston Jr./Sr.
Nature Journaling (with the Columbia River Nature Journal Club)
at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
When: Friday, February 24
Meet at the Office at 12pm to share about your journaling, socialize and eat your lunch if you packed one. Refuge staff will also share plans for Visitor enhancements to come and seek feedback on how to make Nature Journaling and Art on the Refuge more accessible.
What to expect:
Meet at the new Refuge Office on the Carty Unit at 12:00 PM to share our observations and to provide input for visitor enhancements that would make nature journaling more accessible on the Refuges.
Carty Unit/ Refuge Office
28908 NW Main Ave
Ridgefield, WA 98642
--
For the Early Birds:
Prior to meeting up as a group, explore the Oaks to Wetland trail on the Carty Unit or visit the Auto Tour Route (1071 S Hillhurst Rd) to drive the 4-mile loop to observe wildlife and the beautiful scenery. There are plenty of places along the drive or trail to stop and pause, and do some Nature Journaling that we will share at noon at Refuge multi-purpose room. Pack a lunch to eat while we share and socialize about our morning observations of the Refuge.
The Refuge opens at 7:30 AM and a $3.00 entry fee (cash or check) is required.
Learn More at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield/visit-us
Nature Journaling (with the Columbia River Nature Journal Club)
at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
When: Friday, February 24
Meet at the Office at 12pm to share about your journaling, socialize and eat your lunch if you packed one. Refuge staff will also share plans for Visitor enhancements to come and seek feedback on how to make Nature Journaling and Art on the Refuge more accessible.
What to expect:
Meet at the new Refuge Office on the Carty Unit at 12:00 PM to share our observations and to provide input for visitor enhancements that would make nature journaling more accessible on the Refuges.
Carty Unit/ Refuge Office
28908 NW Main Ave
Ridgefield, WA 98642
--
For the Early Birds:
Prior to meeting up as a group, explore the Oaks to Wetland trail on the Carty Unit or visit the Auto Tour Route (1071 S Hillhurst Rd) to drive the 4-mile loop to observe wildlife and the beautiful scenery. There are plenty of places along the drive or trail to stop and pause, and do some Nature Journaling that we will share at noon at Refuge multi-purpose room. Pack a lunch to eat while we share and socialize about our morning observations of the Refuge.
The Refuge opens at 7:30 AM and a $3.00 entry fee (cash or check) is required.
Learn More at:
Located just north of Vancouver, Washington, the refuge is a unique retreat to nature nestled between the Columbia River and the town of Ridgefield.
Start painting! Please note, this deadline is for the State of Washington Junior Duck Stamp contest only.
Did you know the Ridgefield NWR hosted a youth crew last year and will again in 2023? Learn more about last year's crew here! https://mailchi.mp/6d5c0e988b9b/september22 Thank you to the Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards for the great article.
Ellie Perryman Shields Precious Cargo From the Sun/Determining the Age of Purple Martins for Banding/Pierce NWR Photo: Jared Strawderman
Does anyone remember Tualatin River NWR's beloved Puddle Stompers program? Well, it's coming back. Our first program will be held on January 11th from 10am - 12pm. Kids are going to learn all about beavers.
Meet in the Visitor Center and come ready to be outside in some puddles! Follow the link below to learn more and directions on how to register.
Friends of the Refuge
Become a Puddle Stomper at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and learn all about beavers! Join us for story time, nature crafts, and a short walk on our trail. Our Puddle Stompers programs are designed for kids ages 0-5. Rain coat and boots available to borrow for kids.
19255 SW Pacific Highway
Sherwood, OR
97140
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For FREE family fun in the outdoors, don't miss this 34th annual event from our partner, I'm Hooked Inc., at Henry Hagg Lake on June 3rd and 4th. Whether you and your little ones are new to fishing or you've been away from the activity for awhile and want to get back into it, this is the event for you. Activities include: - Angler Education - Water Safety - Shoreline Fishing - Musical Art Experience - Free lunch for the kids The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also be there with a wildlife exploration station and the NW Family Daycation "Big Red Tent"! It all happens at Henry Hagg Lake, Boat Ramp C, June 3rd and 4th. Register in advance at www.imhookedinc.org
Wapato Lake National Wildlife Refuge https://www.fws.gov/refuge/wapato_lake/ is inching closer and closer to potentially opening to additional public uses! Beginning December 1st, a DRAFT Public Access Plan will be available for public review and comment and we want to hear from you. Check out this video to learn more... @USFWS Columbia Pacific Northwest Friends of the Refuge
Just a few more days! Check out the event landing page to see all that will be offered... www.friendsoftualatinrefuge.org Friends of the Refuge USFWS Migratory Birds USFWS Columbia Pacific Northwest USFWS Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Hike it Baby Portland Audubon Oregon Zoo Yurok Tribe The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde The Condor Cave
Holy Land Tours LLC / Jiryis Alyateem
Sw Jeane Louise Road
