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| 8/30/2006 4:00:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article
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ELIZABETH LONG Photo
Friends members line up for the feast served at the annual Friends of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge barbecue, held this year at the Riekkola Unit at the south end of Willapa Bay. |
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ELIZABETH LONG Photo
A view of some of the land which will now be preserved for future generations. |
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With Friends like these, the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is safe and sound
By ELIZABETH LONG
Observer staff writer
WILLAPA - With the savory aroma of cooking oysters and grilling salmon drifting through the air, Charles Stenvall, project leader for the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, welcomed the crowd of about 200 to the annual Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge barbecue.
Saturday's event was also held to honor the tremendous contributions of the Columbia Land Trust in their partnership with the refuge.
"I'm not going to talk much," he assured those attending as they glanced toward the food tables.
This year, the event was held at the Riekkola Unit at the south end of Willapa Bay. The weather was picnic perfect, with blue skies and a gentle breeze. The property had increased in size by 55 acres with the addition of the Davis section, and it was a chance for people to view the newly acquired property.
"It has been an incredible year for the Friends Group," said Stenvall. Surrounding the various tables set out for the event were displays highlighting some of those successes, including fish habitat restoration, forest management and work to save the littlest creature, the silver spot butterfly.
Stenvall spoke briefly about the environmental education program, which has visited every fourth-grade class in the county and has expanded to the high school education level as well. The classes teach the children about the rich diversity of the surrounding area and hopes to install a lifetime appreciation of the area's natural beauty.
"Understanding of what we have here in Willapa has really changed and elevated," he said.
The spartina eradication program has also shown tremendous strides. "We are actually knocking out spartina," he said. For the first time, he said, shorebirds are returning to the areas cleared of the invasive grass. He gestured toward the bay. "It looks very different now than it will a month from now," he said. Soon, the shorebirds will return to breed, with concentrations as high as 40,000 birds visiting the area.
The refuge has also acquired some additional prime breeding area in the McHuch property, totaling 220 acres. He described it as being located in the core or shorebird habitat. Stenvall credited the Columbia Land Trust and described their relationship as a partnership for success. "It's a 'go-to' organization that I can go to," he said, only half-joking. "Kudos to you at Columbia Land Trust. This is the essence of a great partnership."
The president of the Friends' group, Bev Arnoldy spoke briefly, thanking the land trust. She also thanked the volunteers who donated time and funding to the group. Because of contributions, the group now offers a scholarship program which awards $500 to students interested in environmental studies.
"We can't do it in a vacuum," she said of their accomplishments and future goals. She also thanked the tremendous support of the community, including the many businesses that helped support the friends group.
Glenn Lamb, executive director of the Columbia Land Trust, also spoke briefly. "I challenge you to each meet people," he told the crowd, saying they were a remarkable and giving group that was gathered, many of whom wished to keep their efforts for the refuge anonymous. "You're all a pretty humble and modest group."
He added that the partnership would continue. "We're not done. There's a lot of change that's happening fast," he said, echoing a statement made earlier by Stenvall who said with assurance, "This next year is going to be even better."
To find out more about the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge call 665-0115 or visit the Web site at (www.willapabay.org/~fwnwr)
• To find out more about the Columbia Land Trust call 360-696-0131 or visit their Web site at (www.columbialandtrust.org).
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