Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards

Our mission is to promote public awareness, appreciation and active support for Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake, and Pierce National Wildlife Refuges.

We do this by:

* Educating people of all ages about the purpose and benefits of the Refuges and the opportunities for non-consumptive recreation on them (e.g., bird watching, nature photography, hiking)

* Supporting the operating activities of the Refuges

* Advocating for the Refuges to the community, news media, and government officials

* Encouraging people to volunteer their time and talents for the benefit of the Refuges

* Recruiting Refuge Stewards members and volunteers

Our projects include:

* Restoring habitat by planting and maintaining native shrubs and other vegetation and removing blackberries and other non-native species

* Coordinating public outreach and environmental education programs in local communities to generate awareness and support

* Monitoring water quality and coordinating with state and local agencies and the public to improve water quality of streams impacting the Refuges

* Developing or improving public use facilities

* Raising funds to support these projects