lecture

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.

Want to learn by doing? If you like to get your hands dirty, join the Watershed Stewards and Clark County to build a rain garden at a new "green built" Habitat for Humanity home. Rain gardens collect rainwater from your roofs in a shallow depression in a yard.  Rain gardens help filter runoff and recharge groundwater. Rain gardens provide beauty and an easy way for all of us to take care of our streams and rivers and the plants and animals that rely on them. Participants will learn about designing, building, and maintaining rain gardens.

The workshop is presented by the Watershed Stewards, a partnership of Washington State University Clark County Extension and Clark County Environmental Services Clean Water Program.

Class size is limited and registration is required.   For more information and to register, go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/347745  or call 360-397-6060 ext. 5705.

WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Persons requiring special accommodations should call WSU Clark County Extension at (360) 397-6060 ext. 0 at least two weeks prior to the event.                                         

Sunday July 21st from 1 to 5pm
$25 / $5 for members of Cascadia wild.
Come learn the basics of making cordage from natural materials. Topics covered will include material selection, processing fibers and reverse wrap cordage. 
Location: Cascadia wild office 1912 NE Killingsworth St. Portland, OR  97211.
To register: Visit here http://cordage.eventbrite.com/ to register and pay online.  Or contact us at info@cascadiawild.org or 503-235-9533 to register and pay by check or cash. Include your name / contact information (email and phone), and the class(es) you are signing up for. 

Sunday May 26th, 1pm to 5pm
$25 / $5 for members of Cascadia wild.
Come join us to learn the basics of bow and drill fire making. Topics covered will include material selections, set construction and techniques to get you started on your way to making fire. 
Location: Cascadia wild office 1912 NE Killingsworth St. Portland, OR  97211.
To register: Visit here http://frictionfire.eventbrite.com/ to register and pay online.  Or contact us at info@cascadiawild.org or 503-235-9533 to register and pay by check or cash. Include your name / contact information (email and phone), and the class(es) you are signing up for.