walking

We will be pulling Ricefield Bulrush, an invasive plant. Ricefield Bulrush threatens the health of Refuge wetlands by pushing out native plants that wildlife need for food and cover. Due to volunteer efforts, ricefield bulrush on the refuge is being contained and reduced. Volunteers will be able to set foot in areas of the refuge which are normally closed to the public.

All work days are from 9AM - 12:30PM, Rain or shine. Wear waterproof shoes and dress for the weather. Meet by the visitor kiosk in the River 'S' Unit. Gloves, snacks, and drinks will be provided to keep you fueled up. Registration is encouraged, but not required. To register or for more info contact Tatyana_Klepanchuk@fws.gov, or call (360) 887-3883.

WEDNESDAYS; 9AM-12:30PM

June - 25

July - 2,9,16,23,30

August - 6,13,20,27

September - 3,10

SATURDAYS; 9AM-12:30PM

June - 28

July - 12,19,26

August - 2,9,16,23,30

September - 6

Making sense of "Cathlapottle": How Chinookans made (and said) names on the land
Special Guest Presenter Henry Zenk

May 11th, 2014, 2pm.
Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge:  28908 NW Main Ave; Ridgefield, WA 98642           

Join us as at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse we explore how geographic names are formed in the Chinookan languages. The NW is covered in place names that come from local Chinookan Native American languages, and words like Memaloose, Skookum, Ilahee, and Tilikum continue to dot the landscape of our area. Henry Zenk, consulting linguist with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde will summarize what we know about how Chinookans themselves constructed and pronounced the names they bestowed on their lands and on its original inhabitants. He draws especially on records left by linguists who worked with some of the languages' last fluent speakers. Many of these sources remain unpublished to this day.

This event is part of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse's Second Sunday Series of events.  Children's activities will be available from 12-4pm as well as guided Plankhouse tours, and information on International Migratory Bird Day.  For more information contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or call 360-887-4106.   

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is located on the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, 28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield WA 98604.  There is a $3.00 entrance fee per vehicle visiting the Refuge. To arrange wheelchair access to the Plankhouse, please contact Sarah Hill at Sarah_Hill@fws.gov or call (360) 887-4106.

The Cathlapotle Plankhouse is looking for new volunteers for the 2014 season! 

Are you curious about...

Local Native American Culture? Traditional Columbia River Art?Pacific Northwest History? Ancestral Skills? Archeology?Wildlife? Nature?

Do you love to...

Learn about other cultures? Share your experiences and knowledge with others? Meet new people? Tell stories?

Get involved at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge!

We are looking for new people to join our team of amazing volunteer 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 Refuge 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 , Plankhouse Coordinator, at sarah_hill@fws.gov  or call (360) 887-4106 .

New Volunteer Orientation/Training April 5, 10AM-3PM

Meet at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge : Carty Unit lower parking lot: 28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield WA 98624

If you are interested in getting involved, but can't make the training, contact Sarah Hill at sarah_hill@fws.gov to arrange alternate training plans.