Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

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Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge The Refuge has over 5,000 acres that many birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, bugs, etc. call home. Comments should not contain private information.

The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge champions the protection of wildlife and their habitats by broadening public understanding of and engagement in the natural and cultural resources of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Join the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the Refuge staff as we celebrate, protect, and educate others about native wildlife and habitats that exist on the Ridgefield National Widlife Refuge. In addition to restoring native habitats, the Refuge also is home to a significant archaeological site. Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge's (FRNWR) social media comment policy:

Comments on FRNWR social media sites will be removed at the discretion of the organization, for any of the following reasons: If the comments are not topically related to the content of FRNWR’s original post; express support or opposition to political parties, campaigns or ballot measures; include profane or obscene language or images including vulgar, offensive, threatening, harassing, or personal attacking language; conduct or promote non-FRNWR commercial products or business; express discrimination based on legally protected status such as race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, disability or sexual orientation; promote illegal activity or activities that may be illegal based on a viewer’s status (such as age); compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems; transmit protected or private information; violate a legal ownership interest of any party including copyright and trademark; contain links or hashtags to sites that violate these restrictions including hyperlinks to material not directly related to FRNWR’s original post; and/or contain symbols, numbers, and letters to circumvent any of the above. Posts to FRNWR’s social media accounts, including but not limited to comments, are not the proper forum for providing FRNWR with legal notice, submitting petitions or other forms, submitting public comments for official comment periods (such as rule making), or for submitting public records requests under the Public Records Act, RCW 42.56. Please see WAC 220-120 for proper submission of public records requests. Any comments received on social media are considered a public record.

Hello everyone! We owe you a quick apology and a date correction—the Auto Tour is closed today, November 4th (and yes, d...
11/04/2026

Hello everyone! We owe you a quick apology and a date correction—the Auto Tour is closed today, November 4th (and yes, despite what the website said about the 3rd, it's today!).

When a break in the rain aligns with staff availability, Refuge folks jump at the chance to get critical refuge work done. Juggling wet weather and fast-moving schedules means there might be an occasional trip over the updates, but our shared goal is always balancing the needs of the wildlife with providing the best experience for our visitors.

The Auto Tour reopens tomorrow, 11/5, and the Carty Unit remains open for walking today! Thank you so much for rolling with the updates alongside us—we truly appreciate your support.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield

The Chronicle recently shared this article written by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, a sad but interestin...
11/02/2026

The Chronicle recently shared this article written by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, a sad but interesting collection of information and statistics on deer in Washington, highlighting the need for drivers to slow down and be extra vigilant on and off the Refuge, to protect both the deer and themselves. While it focuses on the east side, it mentions Clark County, and the information is relevant to the whole state.

It also reminds us of the importance of reporting roadkill near or on roadways to WDFW, a separate agency from the USFWS-managed Refuge.

Worth the read!
https://www.chronline.com/stories/wdfw-the-rut-is-on-watch-for-deer-on-the-move,409860

Try using a little less pressure on the accelerator this fall when driving; deer are especially active in November as the rut (mating season) is at its peak. Additionally, many animals from each …

11/01/2026

🎉 Exciting November Updates! Huge thanks to Three Creeks Rotary, our 2027 calendars are out, and don't miss the last workshop of 2026. Plus, catch the bee article we linked wrong last month!
https://tr.ee/Nov26Enews

*Also to Note* Refuge entrance hours change today, November 1, to 7 AM - 5 PM to align with Daylight Savings time. Don't forget to turn back the clocks!

10/31/2026

Ghostly greetings from the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge! 🎃 Celebrate Halloween 2026 with nature's wonders (where you get to do the watching). 👻🪽 Have a spooky-safe day!

Video: A Great Egret Hunting and catching something

Before the year-end rush, come back to the Refuge. Walk, listen, and notice what changes with the season. Bring someone ...
10/29/2026

Before the year-end rush, come back to the Refuge. Walk, listen, and notice what changes with the season. Bring someone who has never visited and tell us what stayed with you by replying to this post or sending us a message. The Friends’ work begins with people who know this place and care about its future.

Explore: https://ridgefieldfriends.org/volunteer-support/join-the-friends/

📷 Great Horned Owlets by Gary Davenport

10/27/2026

*Notice* The River S Unit maintenance closure is now on Friday, October 30, 2026, NOT Wednesday, October 28. Recent rainy fall weather features American Wigeons, Great Egrets, Sandhill Cranes, other ducks, little brown birds, and more! Enjoy!

https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield

A campaign day can bring new people to the Refuge. The Friends’ work continues through every season. Steady support help...
10/21/2026

A campaign day can bring new people to the Refuge. The Friends’ work continues through every season. Steady support helps make that work more dependable, and a lasting relationship begins with learning why people care.

We'd love to hear what part of the Refuge matters most to you. Reply to this post or send us a message to share your story!

Explore ways to support the Friends: https://ridgefieldfriends.org/volunteer-support/join-the-friends/

📷 Great Blue Heron by Charlie Barrows

10/19/2026

Access Updates:
The Carty Unit of the Refuge will be closed to all public access Wednesday, October 21, 2026. No walk-ins permitted. This closure will allow maintenance to spray Himalayan blackberry, a control method for this invasive species . During the closure, the River S Unit and Auto Tour Route will remain open to the public for a driving visit.

BUT - on Wednesday, October 28, swap that around. The River S Unit Auto Tour will be closed, and the Carty Unit will be the one that is open for visiting.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield

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Ridgefield, WA
98642

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