Recreation - Special Events
Below is a partial schedule of special events on the Refuge. Please
visit the Friends
of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and Plankhouse
websites for additionalRefuge events and programs.
BirdFest & Bluegrass
October 11 & 12 - Join the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife
Refuge and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) as we celebrate
the arrival of fall and the wildlife that make the Ridgefield National
Wildlife Refuge their winter home. BirdFest & Bluegrass is a
unique opportunity to enjoy not only the sights and sounds of fall
migration but also a festive celebration of music, childrens' activities,
food, and fun in the Ridgefield community. For more information,
please follow this link:
Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Guided Birding Hikes
Ridgefield NWR
Oaks to Wetland Trail
September 13 & September 21 at 8 am - Join other nature enthusiasts
on a guide birding hike along the Oaks to Wetland Trail. The tour
will lead you through the varied habitats of the Carty Unit and
reveal resident and migrant bird species. Space is limited. Please
reserve your spot by contacting Eric Anderson at 360-887-4106 or
at eric_anderson@fws.gov.
Kiwa Trail
September 20 at 8 am - Join other nature enthusiasts on a guide
birding hike of the Kiwa Trail. This is an excellent chance to bird
the Kiwa Trail before it closes for the season. Space is limited.
Please reserve your spot by contacting Eric Anderson at 360-887-4106
or at eric_anderson@fws.gov.
Steigerwald Lake NWR
Normally, we schedule a couple of Septemeber birding hikes at Steigerwald
Lake NWR. This year, however, the refuge is installing brand new
facilities to provide refuge visitors with a new opportunity to
view and learn about the refuge. We are constructing a new information
kiosk, parking for 20 cars and an RV/bus, restroom, and a 2-mile
trail. Unfortunately, construction will not be complete in time
for us to hold our fall birding hikes at Steigerwald – but check
us out next spring!!
In the meantime, you might want to take the opportunity to join
us for a birding tour at the Pierce NWR, which is described below.
Pierce NWR
September 14 & September 27 at 8 am -Here is a great chance
to do some birding with a birding expert on this easy hike. He will
lead you through oak woodlands, open fields, and riparian forest.
You will have some beautiful views of the Columbia River, refuge
wetlands, Beacon Rock, and Hamilton Mountain. At the same time,
you can learn a bit about how the refuge is managed.
Please bring your binoculars, appropriate footwear/attire, and
water. These 2.5-mile hikes on flat terrain will last approximately
3 hours. Space is limited, so advance reservations are required!
To reserve your spot, learn more information, and obtain directions,
please contact Eric Anderson at (360) 887-4106 or eric_anderson@fws.gov.
Second Sundays at the Plankhouse
A special seasonal series of talks and demonstrations are planned
at the Plankhouse on the second Sunday of every month. For more
details follow this link: www.plankhouse.org.
Follow these links to learn more about recreation opportunities
on the Refuge:
