Although the federal government shutdown grounded popular Sandhill crane tours, the annual Birdfest and Bluegrass Festival filled Ridgefield and the local wildlife refuge with music, art and outdoor exploration on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The 26th annual festival brought together wildlife enthusiasts, families and musicians across town and at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. While the refuge remained open to the public, federal employees were unable to lead tours or open certain facilities, including the Cathlapotle Plankhouse.
“The biggest concern we had, specifically to Bird Fest and the shutdown, was whether or not we would have access to the refuge,” Jim Maul, board president of the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, said.
In previous shutdowns, the festival had been forced to move activities off-site, which caused concern for some members. However, the refuge remained open to visitors and tours hosted by community members.
“Probably the biggest impact is that Fish and Wildlife Service employees who are such dedicated hard workers and are so dedicated to this refuge are unable to support Bird Fest this year because that is part of their job when they’re working,” Maul said.
Still, events continued on both refuge units and throughout downtown Ridgefield. Locals joined birding hikes, guided walks and art activities, while bluegrass bands performed at venues including Sportsman’s Public House, Overlook Park and Ridgefield Craft Brewing.
For Maul, the festival’s strength lies in its ability to unite Ridgefield around its landscape. The refuge was accessible for all to tour during the festival, which coincides with the return pattern of many migratory waterfowl, including the sandhill crane.
“Ridgefield is important because these birds nest in Southeast Alaska, but then they return to this area and other areas clear down into California for their wintering habitat,” he said. “Oftentimes, Ridgefield might be their first stop.”
This year also brought new involvement for the Ridgefield Art Association. The group launched its first-ever Birdfest Art Contest at the Carty Unit, welcoming more than 50 entries across four age-based categories.
“For the first time ever we have coordinated an art contest that is not photography because that’s already taken care of by Pro Photo Supply, so we have done an old school art contest,” Maureen O’Reilly, president of the Ridgefield Art Association, said.
The association also organized an opportunity drawing featuring decorative birdhouses made by its members, with proceeds going towards purchasing gingerbread house kits for the Ridgefield Family Resource Center during the holidays.
“This is a way to engage the community and also bring awareness of art to the bird festival,” O’Reilly said.
Back on the refuge, visitors joined guided hikes and self-led walks on the Carty and River S units, including the “Birds in Flight” photography hike and a geology walk led by Maul himself.
“This is an event that is just designed to help bring the community together and be able to experience wildlife,” Maul said. “We’ve got nature tours, activities and events for kids, a geology walk that talks about the landscape. Just lots of activities and lots of fun for people.”
Throughout the day, bluegrass music echoed across downtown, from parks to taphouses. Maul explained that the event highlights the link between sound, nature, and the city, which the festival celebrates.
“I believe that wildlife refuges are one of the best investments in conservation that this or any other country has ever made,” Maul said. “They’re critical to protecting habitat and the environment, and they’re also critical to people, giving people an opportunity to experience and enjoy nature in the outdoors.”
