gardening/farming

Help search for and remove the invasive ricefield bulrush (Scirpus mucronatus) from wetlands. This invasive sedge is threatening wetlands on the refuge by competing with native plants that wildlife need for food and shelter. Due to volunteer efforts, the amount of ricefield bulrush at the refuge has dramatically reduced over the last 10 years. Come be a part of this downward trend and remove ricefield bulrush from the Pacific Northwest! Easy to remove and fun to search for, let's get this plant out of its only known NW location!

*Depending on conditions these work party days may include the removal of yellow-flag iris or other targeted invasive plants.

All work days are Wednesday and Saturday from 9AM - 12:30PM; rain or shine. Bring rubber boots and dress for the weather. Meet by the visitor kiosk in the River 'S' Unit. Gloves, tools, snacks, and drinks will be provided to keep you fueled up and restoration ready.

Event dates by month: June 23, 27, and 30. July 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, and 28. August 1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, and 29. September 1st

Work parties are sponsered by the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1965 along with 3 other refuges in the Southwest Washington State, to secure vital winter habitat for Dusky Canada geese and other wintering waterfowl. With subsequent changes to nesting habitat and reduction in dusky populations following the violent earthquake of 1964 in Alaska, the need for secure wintering habitat became even more important.

Currently, Ridgefield NWR has a total of 5,218 acres of marshes, grasslands and woodlands. Preservation of the natural Columbia River floodplain is the management objective of the Carty (2-mile self-guided hiking trail), Roth, and Ridgeport Dairy units. The River 'S' (4.2 mile auto tour route and 1.2 mile seasonal hiking trail) and Bachelor Island units are managed to maximize habitat for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.

Twenty green remodels and new homes open their doors around the Portland metropolitan area for this self-guided tour. Start and stop where and when you choose. Chat with homeowners, designers, do-it-yourselfers and contractors about solar panels, ecoroofs (green roofs), rainwater harvesting, natural landscaping, affordable housing, water and energy conservation, natural building materials, alternative construction techniques and much more! Pick up some great ideas for YOUR current or future home.

Learn how seeds travel, stems sprout, plants grow, or how flowers make fruit in a beautiful children's garden. Enjoy fun activities such as potato printing, bookmark making, flower origami or leaf rubbings. Ages three and up. Adult supervision required.

Learn how seeds travel, stems sprout, plants grow, or how flowers make fruit in a beautiful children's garden. Enjoy fun activities such as potato printing, bookmark making, flower origami or leaf rubbings. Ages three and up. Adult supervision required. Free program. Parking $5 for cars, $7 for busses and free for bicycles and pedestrians.Located next to the water spray ground inside Blue Lake Regional Park. Drop in program: no registration necessary. Hosted by Metro.

Saturday, July 289:30am - 12:30pm at Luscher Farm

Want to jump start your weekend with productivity? Then, meet in the garden these Saturday morning’s for some volunteering. Join other like-minded folks for a brief tour of beautiful Luscher Farm and help our demonstration garden grow with hands on help. We’ll perform a variety of tasks while discovering ways to improve your gardening success.

Tools and snacks will be provided. Ages 16+

This event is FREE!Please pre-register by calling 503.675.2549.

Hope to see you in the garden!

Directions to Luscher Farm

photo by Shawn Linehan