Connecting Power of Community with Passion for Nature

Connecting Power of Community with Passion for Nature

The Gorge Refuge Stewards is a group of dedicated volunteers working to preserve, protect, and restore the native habitat on three National Wildlife Refuges on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge: Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake and Pierce.

On the Refuge

Join us for our Annual Meeting on May 9th from 6:30-8pm at 54-40 Brewing in Washougal! Free pizza, great speakers, and more! Visit our Eventbrite page to rsvp.  Keep an eye on our calendar below for details! 


Steigerwald Lake NWR is Open!

The final phase of the $32 million Steigerwald Reconnection Project is complete! There will be ongoing small scale maintenance projects throughout the Refuge being done by contractors and volunteers as well as installation of benches throughout the trail system over the next couple of months.  Learn about what an incredible accomplishment this Reconnection Project is by visiting the Estuary Partnership's storymap here


From Our Volunteer Coordinator

We are excited to offer a Volunteer Orientation for new and current volunteers:

Sunday May 7th, from 9:00 - 2:30 PM. Light morning refreshments and lunch provided. 

Email: volunteer@refugestewards.org to learn more about current volunteer roles aligned with your interests and to sign up for the training. 


Upcoming Events

Recent Sightings at Steigerwald Lake

  • Canada Goose

    27 May 2023 by Jason Vassallo

  • Wood Duck

    27 May 2023 by Jason Vassallo

  • Gadwall

    27 May 2023 by Jason Vassallo

  • Mallard

    27 May 2023 by Jason Vassallo

  • Mourning Dove

    27 May 2023 by Jason Vassallo

  • Rufous Hummingbird

    27 May 2023 by Jason Vassallo

  • Killdeer

    27 May 2023 by Jason Vassallo

  • Wilson's Snipe

    27 May 2023 by Jason Vassallo

See more