Couve Scoop

JUNE 2022

New Life for Steigerwald Lake

Residents and visitors of east Clark County have a whole new natural world to explore. After a three-year ecological revitalization closure, Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) reopened to the public in May. Located just east of Washougal, the refuge is the western gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and home to a variety of fish, fowl and other wildlife. Central to the project was reconnecting Gibbons Creek to the refuge’s flood plain—a connection that was lost decades ago when the creek was manually rerouted from its original flow through an elevated canal, bypassing the Steigerwald wetlands and starving nearby wildlife of nutrients and deposits. In addition to the Gibbons Creek reconnection project, a new trail system in the refuge now includes one additional mile of trail, two new footbridges and additional viewpoints.

KILNFOLK

Grand Opening

Abrand new clay studio has opened in Downtown Vancouver, offering pottery painting and clay classes—and the best part is, child care is on-site for your little ones to play while you create! Kilnfolk Clay Studio and Gallery celebrated its grand opening on April 30, welcoming the community to enjoy the beautiful space and experience the joy of creating one-of-a-kind art. Founder Faith Odman discovered clay arts herself at Yakima Community College seven years ago. “I just loved spending all of my spare time in the studio and have craved it ever since,” she said. From Yakima she went on to earn a business degree from George Fox University, then to work as operations manager for a couple of different startups. But pottery was still calling her name. “I was tired of working from home and recognized a need in myself and others to have some in-person activities after these last few years of isolation.” Odman chose Downtown Vancouver for the location for her clay studio, based on its “amazing atmosphere” and proximity to other arts-centric organizations and locations like Firehouse Glass, Vancouver Farmers Market, Esther Short Park and nearby restaurants.

Kilnfolk is currently offering pottery painting and firing, plus a variety of classes for kids up to adults, including Family Clay, a two-hour time slot with guided instruction for kids and adults together, and Mindful Clay, “a relaxing hand-building class with an emphasis on slowing down, contemplation and mindfulness practices. It can be thought of as ‘yoga with clay.’” Senior Clay, Kids Clay, birthday party packages and Date Night “Throwdown” (wheel throwing) are also available to book. Kids Club child care for kids under age 7 is available during most class times for $8-$10 per hour. Coming soon will be a multiweek art program designed for home-school curriculum and memberships for experienced potters to get more time on the wheel.

Kilnfolk is open Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-6 pm at 108 W 6th St. in Vancouver. Learn more at kilnfolkclay.com.

Artists young and old enjoy creating one-of-a-kind works of art at Kilnfolk in Downtown Vancouver.

Left: A view of Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge Right: Volunteers help plant various native species plants at Steigerwald NWR.

Photos courtesy of Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership

The restored region is now poised to be a much more ecologically welcoming place for all. “As wetland habitat improves,” says the National Wildlife Refuge System’s website, refuge2020.info, “so too will the quality of life for Refuge neighbors, through flood protection, jobs, and the health benefits of a deeper connection to nature.” The Refuge will close again briefly in August and September 2022 to finalize construction.

Go to VancouverFamilyMagazine.com to see a series of videos about Steigerwald Lake NWR’s revitalization project.

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Marshall Leadership Awards

Ridgefield High School senior Charlie Fisher and architectural designer Naleigha Williams of LSW Architects were honored at the 2022 annual General George C. Marshall Awards on April 26. The Marshall Leadership Awards celebrate and support local rising leaders who, like General Marshall, demonstrate integrity, candor, courage and preparedness while serving a greater good.

“The Historic Trust is honored to steward the 32nd annual The Marshall Awards,” said board chair of The Historic Trust, Linda Glover, at the ceremony. “We take seriously our role in developing emerging leaders. The Marshall Awards celebrate the quality of leadership this community experiences, as represented by the extraordinary caliber of the nominees, and stretches back all the way to the establishment of the Fort and to the Tribal peoples of our region who are still here today.” The Historic Trust presents the annual awards on behalf of the City of Vancouver’s Celebrate Freedom program.

Fisher stood out among a record number of remarkable youth applicants due to her passion for education as a way to build bridges, and her service to young people. Described as humble, smart and enthusiastic, Williams was recognized for her dedication in seeking out opportunities for youth and for developing the skills of those around her. Both leaders share an intrinsic value of leading with grace and transparency, while maintaining their core beliefs, and believe that true forward movement only happens when all boats are lifted. Each recipient was awarded a $3,500 scholarship for continuing education or professional development.

Ridgefield High School senior Charlie Fisher (left) and architectural designer Naleigha Williams of LSW Architects (right) were each recently awarded a 2022 annual General George C. Marshall Award.

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