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Volunteer at  the 14th Annual Birdfest at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!

This huge two day festival is put on by the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and is almost entirely run by volunteers!  There is something to do for all ages and interests including:

* Welcome and direct visitors on the Refuge and in town.

* Help children with environmental and culturally focused crafts and activities.

* Teach visitors about birds and other wildlife found on the refuge.

* Share your interest in the outdoors with people of all ages and backgrounds!

Come enjoy the festivities and make your volunteers shift just part of the fun! 

No experience necessary.  Short shifts are available. 

12-4PM: Plankhouse Tours and Children's activities available. 

2PM: Presentation begins

Historian and archaeologist Melissa Darby will present "Wapato for the People" on September 8 at 2pm in the Cathlapotle Plankhouse. Darby will explore the use of wapato throughout the world using archaeological evidence. The root of this important plant was a staple food of Native Americans who lived on the Lower Columbia and Fraser Rivers and it was a heavily traded commodity out to the coast and east to the mountains. This root has also been found in archaeological sites in the Great Basin and in sites in Europe and it is now cultivated in Asia.  In addition to this presentation children's activities, and displays highlighting other First Foods of the Columbia River will be included from 12-4pm.  There is a $3.00 entrance fee per vehicle visiting the Refuge.  For more information contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or call 360-887-4106 or visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org.

This event is part of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse Second Sunday Series.  The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is a full- scale replica Chinookan Plankhouse located on the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge at 28908 N Main Ave., Ridgefield, WA.  It interprets the village of Cathlapotle that once existed on what is now Refuge property. Lewis and Clark mention Cathlapotle in their journals and noted that there were fourteen of these houses and 900 people living in the village at the time of their encounter in 1805.

Traditional Technologies Day at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse!

August 11, 2013:  12pm- 4pm.
Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge,
28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642
www.ridgefieldfriends.org/plankhouse

Experience traditional tools and technologies of our human ancestors have used across the globe, and enjoy the many hiking and wildlife watching opportunities of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!

Demonstrators will be at the Plankhouse showing people traditional skills found across the world such as archery, atlatl throwing, flintknapping, friction fire, and animal tracking. Tribal members from Chinook Indian Nation and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde will also be in the house showcasing traditional art and language of Chinookan peoples. Participation in many of these demonstrations is encouraged for everyone, and there will also be special activities for children all day!

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 visit www.ridgefieldfriends.org or contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or (360) 887-4106.   

Let's Go is a series of fun, organized, ranger-let activities at major Oregon State Parks this summer.

Oregon State Parks boasts miles of hiking trails.  Hiking is an easy sport to begin and is the perfect way for you and your family to go outside and get some exercise together. What better way to experience some of Oregon's most beautiful scenery than to join us on a Let's Go Hiking at Night trip!  Be sure to wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle, and any other necessary personal items.  Ages 8 years old and above welcome (children 8-14 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian).

For more information, check out: www.oregonstateparks.org and find Let's Go under "Things To Do".

Let's Go is a series of fun, organized, ranger-let activities at major Oregon State Parks this summer.

Let's Go Birding is designed for those who are interested in birding but don't have the experience, skills, or equipment.  Let's Go Birding by Kayak is a great way to explore the two activities and see birds from a different perspective.

Registration is required and a per person registration fee is $15.  Open to paddlers 8 years and older, although 8-14 year olds must be accompanied by an adult in a 2-person kayak. Children under 18 must register with an accompanying parent/guardian.

For more information, check out: www.oregonstateparks.org and find Let's Go under "Things To Do".