In August we'll visit the Ridgefield National Wildlife Reserve and tour both the new Plankhouse and the original Cathlapotle village site. Knowledgeable guides will show us where the Corps of Discovery visited and where PSU researcher gathered data on the original village. This unique field trip wil be on August 17, the same day the Refuge has scheduled an interesting "Second Sunday" set of activities. The theme is "Traditional Technology," which will include demos of tool making, harvesting plants and using natural materials. There is also a guided ethnobotanical walk scheduled on the Oaks to Wetlands Trail. For more information about all the learning opportunities at Ridgefield, see www.plankhouse.org.

Hikers are encouraged to wear long pants, long sleeves and hiking shoes to protect them from the nettles on the path. They should also bring sunscreen, water and a lunch.

We will meet in the parking lot of the Cathlapotle Plankhouse in Ridgefield, Washington.

Directions to the Plankhouse:

From I-5 take exit 14/Pioneer street west 3.0 Miles to Main street, go right (north) 1.0 miles to the Carty Unit and the refuge sign.

Please RSVP to Lyn Trainer (melendym2004@yahoo.com) so we will know how many to expect.