Making Tracks


The Newsletter of the Friends of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Joyfully Connecting our Community with the Wonder of the Refuge

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DUE TO A LAPSE IN APPROPRIATED FUNDING, THE TUALATIN RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE VISITOR CENTER AND FRIENDS NATURE STORE ARE CLOSED.

ALL VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY IS SUSPENDED AND ALL PUBLIC PROGRAMS ARE CANCELED

THE FRIENDS AND USFWS REFUGE OFFICES ARE ALSO CLOSED, IF YOU NEED TO REACH THE FRIENDS OFFICE EMAIL 

INFO@FRIENDSOFTUALATINREFUGE.ORG


LOOKING FOR WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERNCE?


CONSIDER A DONATION 

JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP 

Friends Annual Meeting and Tour October 25, 2025

Please RSVP by October 22nd


If the Shutdown is not resolved by October 20th-The Friends Annual Meeting Will be Held on Zoom and the Refuge Walk Will Be Rescheduled. A Zoom Link will be sent to all members who RSVP by October 22nd 


UPCOMING EVENTS


Creatures of the Night Festival and Twilight Walks- Has been Postponed

October 18, 2025 4:30 PM-&:30 PM

Riparian Room

19255 SW Pacific Highway

October 25, 2025 9:00 AM

Riparian Room

19255 SW Pacific Highway

October 25, 2025 10:30 AM

Henricksen Unit- Directions will be

given at the Annual Meeting

November 08, 2025 9:30 AM  Tualatin River NWR

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  • Sparrowhawk Native Plant Sale: The recent plant sale pick-up successfully generated $5,000 to support the Friends' mission and our collaborative projects, including the Oregon Chinese Coalition Youth Art Contest.


  • City of Sherwood Grant: We have secured a grant from the City of Sherwood to support our "Creatures of the Night" event. Please note that this event will be rescheduled, and we will share the new date as soon as it is confirmed.
  • Revenue Impact: The current operational status is estimated to result in a loss of approximately $8,000 in October revenue from the Nature's Overlook Store.
  • Please be advised that information regarding our Annual Meeting will be distributed shortly. A definitive decision on whether the meeting will be held in person or virtually via Zoom will be made and communicated by Monday, the 20th.

Update on Friends Refuge Operations and Continued Efforts During the Shutdown

The past few weeks have presented significant challenges for all of us who are committed to the well-being of our Refuge Complex and the dedicated staff who serve as its stewards.

Despite the current shutdown, we are pleased to report that our exceptional Habitat Restoration Specialist, Bethany, is able to continue her vital work on the refuge. The Friends' ongoing capacity to execute our mission during this time clearly underscores the critical and sustained importance of our organization.

Continuing Restoration and Grant Projects

Our commitment to essential habitat restoration remains steadfast. Annually, we secure competitive grants to fund this vital work on the refuge. We are actively managing several significant projects, including:

  • The $100,000 TREE grant from the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District.
  • The EAB progeny project in partnership with the Forestry Service.
  • Our pilot restoration project, supported in part by LAM Research.

Furthermore, we continue to monitor and report on completed initiatives, such as the successful Chicken Creek Restoration.

How You Can Support Our Mission

Your support is crucial to ensuring the continuity of our habitat restoration and educational programming. Here are key ways you can help:

  • Make a Donation: Financial contributions directly fund the essential work outlined above.
  • Support Nature's Overlook: Plan to shop at our store when the refuge reopens.
  • Advocate for the Refuge: Contact your elected representatives to express the importance of the Refuge Complex to you and our community.
  • Participate in Community Fundraising: Support our organization through the IQ Credit Union vote and by filling a Blue Bottle Drop Bag.

Community Support Opportunity: IQ Credit Union Initiative

We are excited to share a simple and free way for you to support the Friends' mission:

Support the Friends Through IQ Credit Union

We encourage all supporters to visit the new IQ Credit Union branch located next to Langer's Family Entertainment in Sherwood. By casting your vote for the Friends of the Refuge, you can help us secure a DONATION of up to $3,000.

The friendly staff at IQ Credit Union will be happy to direct you to the tokens and the designated jar where you can cast your vote. The Friends organization extends its sincere gratitude to IQ Credit Union for its generous community support of our organization and the two other valuable Sherwood community non-profits involved.

So many ways to support the Friends!


1. Grab a Blue Bag from the Visitor Center

2. Fill it up with bottles & cans

3. Drop it off at your nearest donation center

Help us reach our 2025 goal of $2,500.00

We are Currently at $1459

Our new Amazon Wishlist will take you right to a list of high-need items. Your purchase will support the Friends office, special events, public programs, and volunteer work parties. All items are shipped directly to the Friends office at the Refuge.


Thank you for your support!

Calling All Photographers

By Phyllis Millan


Let’s share the beauty of TRNWRC and other wild places through your pictures. Submit via email to:


FriendsPhoto@FriendsOfTualatinRefuge.org


Include your name, where the picture was taken, and any pertinent information.


Photo credit: Roger Williams

Friends of the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Complex

19255 SW Pacific Hwy Sherwood, Oregon 97140

503.625.5944 x 15227

www.FriendsofTualatinRefuge.org



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