What is BirdFest & Bluegrass?
BirdFest and Bluegrass is the main event every year that the Friends puts on to bring awareness to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, and all that is has to offer. We celebrate the Sandhill Crane returning to the Refuge, a huge stately bird that is endangered in Washington State, and we celebrate everything the Refuge is and what it brings to the community. With endangered species, hundreds of migratory species, an auto tour route, photo blind, walking trails, the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, education and habitat restoration programs, and so much more – there is a lot to celebrate, and a lot to learn.
We are uniquely fortunate to have the Refuge as a resource right in our own backyard, and by learning not only how to appreciate the beauty, but the necessity of it, you come one step closer to being able to support it.
In 2021 the City of Ridgefield will be hosting in-person in-town events, including vendors and music in Downtown Ridgefield, plus we will have a self-guided Refuge hike on the Refuge's Carty Unit (The Refuge will be fee-free! Seasonal Trails will not be open).
You may be wondering, what is the schedule for the video part of BirdFest & Bluegrass? All our videos are going to be available all at once on October 2nd, all in one simple link!
We will have a variety of nostalgically themed videos that resemble the activities you know and love from in-person BirdFest events, like the Cathlapotle Plankhouse hike, the Night Hike, birding workshops, Refuge info, and so much more.
Of course, there will be tons going on in the City of Ridgefield for you to check out, which is why we wanted the videos to be easy to find. While you’re downtown, you can view the videos in a “Previews” booth, right alongside the vendors, family activities, and Bluegrass pickers and bands. and of course, don’t forget that the Refuge will be free!
Saturday, October 2nd, we are taking you, Back to the Refuge!
BirdFest & Bluegrass is a joint event planned in a partnership between the City of Ridgefield and the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge that includes virtual and in-person activities, crafts, musical performances, and a Pickers Festival.