Conservation

Conservation Work Party at Ridgefield NWR

Wednesday, July 1, 2015 - 9:00am to 12:30pm
Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 
1071 S Hillhurst Rd
Ridgefield, WA 98642
United States

Help remove invasive plants and other outdoor habitat improvement work this summer at the beautiful Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. We will be pulling, digging, and cutting invasive wetland plants including ricefield bulrush, yellow flag iris, and indigobush. Volunteers may also help water new tree plantings as the summer progresses. No Experience Necessary.

Invasive plants threaten the health of Refuge wetlands by pushing out native plants that wildlife need for food and cover. 

Perks of joining us for our events are:

* Getting to explore areas of the refuge not usually accessible to visitors

* Learning more about local wetlands and wildlife.

* Snacks, drinks, and good company, and outstanding scenery.

* Satisfaction knowing that you are making a difference in the lives wetland plants and animals for years to come.

All work days are from 9AM - 12:30PM, Rain or shine. Wear waterproof boots and dress for the weather. Meet by the visitor kiosk in the River 'S' Unit. Gloves, snacks, and drinks will be provided to keep you fueled up. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register or for more info contact Lynn_Cornelius@fws.gov or call (360) 887-3883.

Directions to River 'S' Unit: Take exit 14 off I-5 and head west about 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Hillhurst (9th) Ave, and continue for 3/4 mile. Entrance will be on right, drive downhill and cross wooden bridge to the visitor kiosk. All volunteers must sign a volunteer service agreement (if under 18 must be signed by a parent or guardian) which will be provided at the event or can be found at: 

http://www.fws.gov/nwrs/threecolumn.aspx?id=2147564588

Contact Name: 
Jared Strawderman
Contact Phone: 
360-887-3883
Contact Email: 
lynn.cornelius@fws.gov
Venue: 
Ridgefield NWR River "S" Unit
Venue Details: 
Along the lower reaches of the Columbia River lies the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The approximately 5300 acres contain a lush mixture of wetlands, grasslands, riparian corridors, and forests. These habitats, combined with a mild and rainy winter climate, provide the ideal environment for many species including neotropical song birds, wintering waterfowl, and other local native species. The refuge is a place where people can share a bond with nature, and each other, by passing on outdoor traditions to new generations. As the population of the region increases, the refuge will become even more important to wildlife and those seeking to connect with nature.
Cost: 
Free

Celebrate Pollinator Week at Rigefield National Wildlife Refuge!

Sunday, June 14, 2015 - 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Celebrate Pollinator Week at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!

For wheelchair access to this event, please contact Sarah prior to the event date.  

12pm - 4pm: Plankhouse Tours and Children's Activities

  • Tour the Plankhouse on your own or guided by our experienced volunteers. 
  • Children's cultural activities will be available, as will family activities. 
  • Celebrate Pollinator Week by building a mason bee house & going on a pollinator scavenger hunt!  

1:00 pm & 2:00pm: Naturalist Led Hike 

  • Explore the Oaks to Wetlands trail with a knowledgeable Refuge Naturalist

Cost:   Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle

Celebrate National Pollinator Week by visiting the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge June 14th for a day of connecting with wildlife and the cultural history of the Lower Columbia River. At 1:00pm join a Refuge Naturalist for a hike down the Oaks to Wetlands trail, and learn about the plants and animals that call the Refuge home. From 12-4, the Plankhouse will be open for visitors, and there will be activities for families to connect with the culture and wildlife at the Plankhouse. We will be building mason bee houses out of natural materials and going on a pollinator scavenger hunt.You can also check out the ample wildlife watching opportunities on the River 'S' Unit Auto Tour Driving Route. Check the Friends website ridgefieldfriends.org for maps of Refuge trails, or contact Plankhouse Director Sarah Hill at sarah_hill@fws.gov, or call (360) 887-4106.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, and the house will now be open weekends from 12pm-4pm. Every second Sunday of the month the Plankhouse will host a special event with speakers, guided hikes, and children's activities. For more information on the upcoming events, visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org/plankhouse/programs .

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a modern Chinookan Plankhouse built to interpret the Chinookan village of Cathlapotle that once existed on what is today Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge property.  At the time Lewis and Clark visited Cathlapotle, it had 14 large plankhouses and a population of over 900 people.  The modern Cathlapotle Plankhouse is used to provide educational programs to youth and the general public through our Lifeways, Landscapes, and Wildlife Interpretive Program.  To learn more about the Plankhouse visitwww.ridgefieldfriends.org or contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or (360) 887-4106.

Funding for these programs has been generously provided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, the Community Foundation for SW Washington, and Umpqua Bank.  

Contact Name: 
Sarah Hill
Contact Phone: 
360 887 4106
Contact Email: 
sarah_hill@fws.gov
Venue: 
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Cost: 
$3.00 Per Vehicle

FREE Families in the Field: Scouters Mountain Nature Park

Friday, August 21, 2015 - 10:00am
Metro

Description:  Explore the rich diversity of this extinct cinder cone with your child. On Aug. 14, meet other families and play nature games. Then on Aug. 21, dive into the hidden secrets of the forested slopes of the volcano to search for signs of animals that live on the mountain.

Register:  www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar

Where:   Scouters Mountain Nature Park

When: 10a.m.-noon

Cost: Free program with pre-registration

Ages: target audience 6 to 10 years of age, accompanied by parent/guardian

Difficulty:   1 boot out of 3 boots

Wheelchair accessible: No

No-dogs policy: To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at regional parks and natural areas. Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect. In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it. Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are permitted with proper identification and cleanup materials. http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/dogs-hunting-policies

 

Contact Name: 
Jenna Kulluson
Contact Email: 
jenna.kulluson@oregonmetro.gov
Cost: 
$11/family

Rock Creek Trail Walk

Sunday, August 2, 2015 - 9:30am
Metro
Park/Trail: 

Title: Rock Creek Trail Walk

Description:  The Rock Creek Trail goes through a lush scenic greenway at the foot of the West Hills. Join naturalist Alice Froehlich for a guided walk to learn about the natural history along the trail. Walkers will enjoy the native trees and shrubs and views of the creek and meadows.

Register:  www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar.

Where: Rock Creek Regional Trail, exact meeting location TBA

When: 9:30a.m. to 12:30p.m.

Cost:  $6/person, $11/family

Ages: 12 and up

Difficulty:   2 boots our of 3 boots

Wheelchair accessible: No

No-dogs policy: To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at regional parks and natural areas. Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect. In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it. Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are permitted with proper identification and cleanup materials. http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/dogs-hunting-policies

Contact Name: 
Alice Froehlich
Contact Email: 
alice.froehlich@oregonmetro.gov
Cost: 
$6/person, $11/family

Introduction to the Language of Birds

Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 9:00am
Metro

Description: As they feed, nest and raise their young, birds relay messages about when it's safe and where predators are prowling. Walk the edge of Bybee Lake with naturalist Dan Daly to learn how to interpret what the birds are saying. This wetland habitat is great for tracking animals, and we will look for signs of the predators that hunt there.

Register:  www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar

Where: St. Johns Prairie

When: 9 to 11:30a.m. 

Cost: $6/person, $11/family

Ages: 8 and older

Difficulty: 2 boots out of 3 boots

Wheelchair accessible: No

No-dogs policy: To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at regional parks and natural areas. Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect. In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it. Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are permitted with proper identification and cleanup materials.

Contact Name: 
Dan Daly
Contact Email: 
dan.daly@oregonmetro.gov
Cost: 
$6/person, $11/family

Stories in the Stones on Mount Talbert

Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 10:00am
Metro/NCPRD

Description:  Join naturalist Dan Daly and explore the rugged beauty of this unique lava dome as you wander through a white oak woodland in summer. Mount Talbert is part of a series of cinder cones and shield volcanoes that began bubbling up almost 3 million years ago. Participants gain a basic understanding of the incredible geology in this region.

Register:  Advance registration and payment is required by calling NCPRD at (503) 794-8092.

Where: Mount Talbert Nature Park

When:  10a.m. to 1p.m.

Cost: $5 person, children age 8-17 free.

Ages: 8 and up

Difficulty:   2 boots out of 3 boots

Wheelchair accessible: No

No-dogs policy: To protect plants, wildlife and people, Metro does not allow pets at regional parks and natural areas. Pets can damage sensitive habitat and threaten wildlife the region has worked to protect. In natural areas where dogs are not allowed, people see more wildlife and get closer to it. Seeing-eye dogs or other service animals are permitted with proper identification and cleanup materials. http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/dogs-hunting-policies

Contact Name: 
Dan Daly
Contact Email: 
dan.daly@oregonmetro.gov
Cost: 
$5/person, 8-17 free

FREE Families in the Field: Pollinators of Graham Oaks Nature Park

Friday, July 24, 2015 - 10:00am
Metro

Description: Explore the wonders of an oak woodland through the eyes of a pollinator and your child. Join naturalist Jenna Kulluson for a hands-on program for the whole family. Have fun discovering the natural world while learning about the important roles that butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles and bees play in this habitat.

Register:  www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar

Where: Graham Oaks Nature Park

When:  10 to 11:30a.m.

Cost: Free program with pre-registration

Ages: Target audience is 3 to 5 years of age, accompanied by parent/guardian

Contact Name: 
Jenna Kulluson
Contact Email: 
jenna.kulluson@oreognmetro.gov
Venue: 
Graham Oaks Nature Park
Cost: 
$11/family

Families in the Field: Pollinators of Graham Oaks Nature Park

Friday, July 10, 2015 - 10:00am
Metro

Description: Explore the wonders of an oak woodland through the eyes of a pollinator and your child. Join naturalist Jenna Kulluson for a hands-on program for the whole family. Have fun discovering the natural world while learning about the important roles that butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles and bees play in this habitat.

Register:  www.oregonmetro.gov/calendar

Where: Graham Oaks Nature Park

When:  10 to 11:30a.m.

Cost: $11 per family per day

Ages: Target audience is 3 to 5 years of age, must be accompanied by parent/guardian

Wheelchair accessible

Contact Name: 
Jenna Kulluson
Contact Email: 
jenna.kulluson@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Graham Oaks Nature Park
Cost: 
$11/family

Naturalist in the Park

Sunday, September 20, 2015 - 10:00am
Metro

Sundays this summer, join a naturalist for free tours of the region's nature parks. Guided walks will introduce participants to the local plants and animals that inhabit the parks.  Each tour will leave the parking lot area promptly at 10am and 1pm.

All ages welcome

Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 3 boots

Not wheelchair accessible

Contact Name: 
Jenna Kulluson
Contact Email: 
jenna.kulluson@oregonmetro.gov
Venue: 
Cooper Mountain
Cost: 
FREE

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