educational course

New volunteer orientation April 13th, 9am - 3pm.

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a full-scale Chinookan Plankhouse located on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. It was built based on archaeological evidence from the Cathlapotle archaeological site located on the refuge property. This archaeological site is what remains of the town of Cathlapotle, a Chinookan town encountered by Lewis and Clark on their expedition.

The Plankhouse and the objects inside of it offer a tangible link to those who lived here in the past and provides a unique site for the interpretation of the natural and cultural heritage preserved on Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Washington.

We are looking for new people to join our team of amazing docents that staff the Plankhouse during the weekends or help us teach school groups during the week. Open to everyone, there is no special experience needed, just a desire to learn and share the natural and cultural history of the refuge with others. By the end of the orientation you will understand what our docents do, learn more about Chinookan lifeways and archaeology, and be ready to take the next steps to become a part of the team. For more info or to RSVP please contact Sarah Hill at sarah_hill@fws.gov or call (360) 887-4106 . 

No Experience necessary. We provide training, reading materials, ongoing volunteer support, and opportunities for professional development. If you can't make the training, but still want to get involved, contact Sarah Hill at sarah_hill@fws.gov and she can arrange an alternate training plan. 

Check out the PDF: http://www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/ridgefield/pdf/PH%20Volunteer%20fly...(1).pdf

April 11th, 6:30 pm, Old Liberty Theatre in Ridgefield, WA. 

The Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge presents, Green Fire, and EMMY award winning documentary film about the legendary conservationist, Aldo Leopold. The film highlights Leopold's fascinating career and traces how he has shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement. 

Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

This event is also a fundraiser for the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, whose 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.

Spring is a great time of year to see and identify the birds of Cooper Mountain since they are in their full breeding plumage and singing up a storm. Join Metro naturalist and expert birder
James Davis for this bird walk for beginners and intermediate birdwatchers. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair on-site, and be sure to dress for standing outside on an open hilltop. (James Davis, Metro naturalist) For ages 12 to adult. Children must be registered with and accompanied by an adult.  Advanced registration required, call 503/629-6350.

Bring your kids and learn about our backyard birds, then build your own birdhouse or feeder to hang in your yard. Learn how to identify a variety of backyard birds and the habitats they need to survive. The fee ($31) is a family rate and includes one adult and up to two additional family members (child or adult) and supplies for a backyard birdhouse or feeder. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

A great chance for parents to have a night out while the kids get to experience the Nature Park in a way few others ever do.  Gather in the Nature House, have dinner (pizza and veggies), then head out into the Park after dark to explore and look for wildlife. No flashlights needed! Volcanoes are explosive and large and have produced some of the rocks in the nature park. Come learn about them and find your own special rock on our geology night hike. Suitable for ages 6-12 years. Advanced registration required; call 503/629-6350.