wildlife watching

Spring Plankhouse Opening Event April 13th,
12pm-4pm
Sewing seeds of the past and planting for the future; 
A camas planting and First Food presentation
 
Several species of camas, Camassia quamash andCamassia leichtlinii are key parts of the Gary Oak ecosystems that span the west side of the Cascade Range from British Columbia down to Northern California. Today widely regarded as a beautiful wildflower, camas plays a crucial part in the traditional lifeways and cultures of many Indigenous peoples in the Northwest. Before colonization by euro-American settlers, Chinookan Peoples, Nimi'ipuu (Nez Perce), Kalapuya, and many other Tribes  tended, dug, traded, and ate camas corms since time immemorial. Camas is still regarded as a special First Food for many Tribes in our and is still tended and dug with care. For our spring opening we will honor and celebrate this beautiful lily with  a special presentation about the cultural significances of camas, learn how to restore the camas prairies that have painted the hills and valleys of our region blue for generations, and begin a camas meadow restoration project next to the Cathlapotle Plankhouse.
12pm-4pm : Children's activities, Plankhouse tours, and Garry Oak Ecosystem restoration information.
1pm : Presentation on Cultural and Historical significance of Camassia  spp.
 
2pm :Camas Blessing and Restoration Work Party

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. 

Have some little owlets aged 5-11 that love to hoot at home? Bring them to our Owl Prowl to learn more about these amazing nighttime predators. An indoor presentation covers local owls and their adaptations. Then the outdoor night hike is our opportunity to look and listen for the Great Horned Owls (and bats, deer, and beavers) at Whitaker Ponds. 

Space is limited to only 20 people so sign up today! $5/person suggested donation.

Bring your whole family to explore nature at night!  Whitaker Ponds has a high diversity of bat species who wait to hunt until after the sun goes down.  Join naturalist Elaine Murphy for a quick indoor bat talk and then a guided group hike. This trip is suitable for families with children aged 5+; pre-registration is required.  Space is limited to 20 people.  Suggested donation of $5/person.

Join the Council for a late-night paddle on the Slough! Under the cover of darkness, hunt for beavers, owls, and other nighttime creatures.  The full moon (and Council staff) will lead the way through the braided network of Slough channels.  Bring your own boat, or sign up to reserve one of our canoes or kayaks for your party. Suitable for adults and teens aged 14+ who want to paddle as a group; Suggested donation of $5.