lecture

Visitors can enjoy bird, plant and nature tours and presentations by regional experts who will share fun facts and information about Southwest Washington's unique ecoregion. Archeologist-led walks will follow in the footsteps of Native Americans and Lewis & Clark to notable sites within
the refuge. These include a visit to a replica of a Cathlapotle plankhouse built by hand using ancient techniques
and tools. A traditional salmon bake will be held Sunday afternoon with complimentary samplings.
Children's activities in downtown Ridgefield will include the Audubon Society Live bird show and birds on display,
craft stations, games, a storytelling tent and more. Special offerings on both days include guided kayak and canoe tours, a night hike, Kiwa Trail tour and the spectacular sandhill crane tours at dawn and dusk. These tours are offered on a limited basis and fill quickly, with reservations and fees required. Visitors can also get an early start on Christmas shopping. An expanded birders' marketplace will offer great buys
on garden items, pottery, art, photography, birdhouses, clothes, books and other items. Food booths will be open
throughout the weekend.
 

Birdfest and Bluegrass is a non-profit festival hosted by Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to encourage
appreciation for the wonders of nature and this special wildlife refuge.

Learn about how hunting and conservation are intertwined in North America, and why the use of lead ammunition is a concern for wildlife and humans. Leland Brown, Wildlife and Lead Outreach Coordinator for the Oregon Zoo, discusses the contributions of hunting to wildlife conservation, scientific evidence linking lead ammunition to wildlife lead exposure and solutions that promote healthy wildlife while continuing Oregon's hunting traditions. This program repeats on Saturday, September 26.

12 -- Adult

Jackson Bottom Wetlands Education Center

Leland Brown

Wed     9/23      7 -- 8 pm

Sat       9/26      1 -- 2 pm

Free.    Call 503-681-6283 to pre-register or email steve.engel@hillsboro-oregon.gov

Day 1 (Saturday) begins with classroom discussion of general life history, anatomy, behavior, and the common species of the area, followed by field time on the grounds of Jackson Bottom observing adults, in-hand examination and looking for signs of recent emergence. Day 2 (Sunday) takes a more advanced approach to the subject of dragonflies and damselflies and is a separate registration process and fee.  Sunday begins with classroom time exploring the resources available for odonate identification and the critical examination of odonates from photos and specimens. Adult odonates will be emphasized, but the identification of nymphs/exuviae to the family level will also be discussed. Field time observing adult odonates on the grounds of Jackson Bottom with an emphasis on in-hand examination follows the classroom portion. Some time will be spent looking for nymphs. Use of binoculars, magnifying lens and cameras is encouraged.  Jim Johnson has studied the dragonflies and damselflies of the Pacific Northwest for 20 years and has taught numerous classes on the subject.  Class size limited to 20 participants each day.

Saturday Class course #:  47200     $15 / person
 

Shorebirds are a challenging group of birds to identify. Three or four species breed at Jackson Bottom and many more species pass through on migration, beginning as early as July and continuing into October. Experienced birder, author and teacher, John Rakestraw teaches you the basic principles of shorebird identification in this combination class and field trip. The fall shorebird migration is a drawn out affair and this class is a great way to be prepared to follow it! Class size limited to 15 participants. Bring binoculars, field guide, spotting scope if you have, be prepared to walk one mile. Adults and interested youth accompanied by an adult.

Course #: 47202  

Mother's Day Presentation: Native Woman's Views on Lewis & Clark Expedition, Presented by Pat Courtney Gold

Where:  Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge:  28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642

When: May 10, 2015
12pm - 4pm: Plankhouse Tours and Children's Activities
Tour the Plankhouse on your own or guided by our experienced volunteers. Children's activities will be available as well.

2pm: Presentation: Native Women's View of Lewis and Clark Presented by Pat Courtney Gold

All the books written about Lewis and Clark were from a white man's perspective.  In this presentation, you will learn about the Native People's view of Lewis and Clark. Pat will explore questions like: How did the Columbia River matriarchal society see Lewis and Clark? What did they think of the smelly bearded men who ignored the sacred salmon in preference for dog meat? This talk will present a point of view not often talked about in regards to the expedition, and one that deserves to be heard.

Cost:   Refuge admission is $3 per vehicle

Take mom for a walk, a talk, and wildlife watching at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge this Mother's Day! At 2pm in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse Pat Courtney Gold, member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and accomplished weaver and artist will be speaking about the perspective that Native Women had of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There will also be activities for families to connect with the culture and wildlife at the plankhouse, hiking trails, in addition to 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 . 

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.  

For wheelchair access to this event, please contact Sarah at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or (360) 887-4106 prior to the event date.