Atfálat’i Wetland and Woodland Restoration Project
Wetland Restoration July 2019 marked the beginning of restoration for the permanent wetlands in front of the Refuge Visitor Center, referred to as 1P and 2P (P for Permanent, meaning water is present year-round). The project aims to restore native wetland vegetation to improve habitat for a variety of wetland-dependent wildlife. This includes brood rearing […]
Prescribed Fire
The intentional, controlled, and safe use of fire to manage the landscape we now call Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge was a common practice until Europeans came to the region over 150 years ago. In September 2018, we successfully reintroduced fire as a management tool to a closed area of the Refuge’s River ‘S’ Unit. In […]
Oak Release
From March 18, 2019 to August 8, 2019, the Carty Unit at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge underwent a process known as an “oak release.” This involved removing faster growing conifer trees, mainly Douglas fir, in order to create more ideal growing conditions for Oregon white oak trees. Now that the fir trees are down and […]
Chicken Creek Restoration
Chicken Creek, a small tributary stream to the Tualatin River, will be restored to its natural, curving flow at Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge’s Atfalat’i Unit. Concluding Fall of 2021, the project aims to restore natural streams and wetland floodplain functions, where the realigned Creek will feed a portion of the Atfalat’i units’ once heavily […]
Steigerwald Reconnection Project
Habitat Improvement at Steigerwald lake NWR Steigerwald Reconnection Project Since its designation as a National Wildlife Refuge in 1987, Steigerwald Lake has evolved into a beloved destination for travelers and neighbors from both sides of the Columbia River. Stunning views, meandering trails, and an amazing mix of birds invite a sense of wonder. Now, another […]