National Wildlife Refuge Week celebrates the great network of lands and waters that conserves and protects America’s precious wildlife heritage. On October 10, Mayor Onslow proclaimed October 13-19, 2024, as "Wildlife Refuge Week" in Ridgefield, encouraging residents to explore Ridgefield NWR and support the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.
Established in 1965, Ridgefield NWR protects vital habitats for species like the Dusky Canada Goose and Sandhill Cranes. Thanks to ongoing restoration and preservation of critical habitats and partnerships with local community and other refuges, populations of endangered species like the Dusky Canada Goose, Sandhill Cranes, Columbian White-tailed Deer, and even Oregon White Oaks are making a comeback. If you have ever seen a hummingbird in your yard or watched an Eagle soar overhead, you can thank the Refuge for protecting their nesting spaces, and for attracting migrating birds on their long journeys each migration season.
The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife (Ridgefield Friends), a nonprofit organization, 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. You can support the Ridgefield Friends by becoming a member, sponsor, or volunteer - learn how at https://ridgefieldfriends.org/volunteer-support/
The Ridgefield NWR is fee-free today, October 13 in celebration of Wildlife Refuge Week and is open sunrise to sunset. Plan your visit at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ridgefield/visit-us