Refuges offer training to volunteer naturalists

RIDGEFIELD — Community members of all ages, experience levels and backgrounds are invited to participate in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuges’ annual naturalist training series.

The events will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first four Saturdays of April.

This year’s topics will include learning about current large-scale restoration projects and the species they will benefit, local indigenous culture, and how to inspire visitors with this knowledge.

After training, volunteers will be able to start exploring and learning with school children, greeting people on refuge trails, aid during special events on- and off-site and lead guided walks.

The Plankhouse volunteer training will be included as part of the training series. But those interested in being Plankhouse volunteers should ask about becoming a certified Plankhouse docent.

For questions or to RSVP, email RidgefieldVolunteer@fws.gov or call 360-887-4106.