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

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 so excited that Steigerwald is back open!  We have been working closely with the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership to plan their winter season of planting and student field trips at Steigerwald and our role will be to enhance their field trips by offering learning stations along the trail during field trips.  If you enjoy teaching kids about nature and have availability in November, email volunteer@refugestewards.org to learn more. 

We are also looking forward to getting back out planting with the community, so stay tuned for those opportunities! 


Upcoming Events

Recent Sightings at Steigerwald Lake

  • Canada Goose

    21 Mar 2023 by Ryan Abe

  • Wood Duck

    21 Mar 2023 by Ryan Abe

  • Cinnamon Teal

    21 Mar 2023 by Ryan Abe

  • Northern Shoveler

    21 Mar 2023 by Ryan Abe

  • Mallard

    21 Mar 2023 by Ryan Abe

  • Northern Pintail

    21 Mar 2023 by Ryan Abe

  • Green-winged Teal

    21 Mar 2023 by Ryan Abe

  • Ring-necked Duck

    21 Mar 2023 by Ryan Abe

See more