National wildlife refuge is Ridgefield’s last stronghold

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The town is calm. Footsteps brush the sidewalk. Folks say hello as they pass. The day is dry but the air is fresh. 

After a short stroll, each step transitions to the crunch of gravel. The beckoning call of trumpets hum softly in the distance. Onto the bridge, over the crest, and behold as the orchestra comes barreling forward. Here is the civilization of birds — the valley of life. The scene is serene. Here is Ridgefield’s last stronghold, the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

 A piece of habitat management that ecologists and biologists focus on is Edge Theory. This theory explains how different parts of a wildlife conservation area are individually impacted. Imagine the area of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge as a splotch on a piece of paper. The center of the splotch is the area with the least human disturbance. This area typically contains the healthiest habitat to support the highest diversity of plant and animal species. The frame of the splotch, or the area on the edge is that which encounters the highest level of disturbance. 

While the edge does support some unique species, it is impacted directly by air pollution, greater exposure to sunlight and wind, trampling by humans, and so on. This area is often dangerous for wildlife as it is adjacent to roads. The species of the edge take on this challenge, and in turn provide a buffer for the richness of the interior splotch.

A group of passionate land stewards in Ridgefield recently shared an interesting story. Each year, during their migrating season, waterfowl like geese and the majestic Sandhill Cranes would soar in trumpeting and bugling, to enjoy the rich fields these stewards look after. In 2017 however, the geese did not stop. The cranes did not stop. In 2017, a new ecologically inconsiderate development began construction adjacent to this land. The edge caved in and the birds flew by in search of better habitat.



If we consider Ridgefield as a whole, our fields are acting as the edge buffer area for more pristine habitat like the wildlife refuge. These lands extend the richness of the refuge. While it may seem like there’s not much there, the fields support creatures like the Great Blue Heron, Red Tail Hawks, Sandhill Cranes, and geese. They provide hunting grounds for coyotes and foraging for deer and rodents. The soil beneath the field is alive with billions of tiny creatures.

If we continue to develop our fields, what will happen to the quality of our wildlife refuge? What will happen to the life in the fields? We have so much to lose.

Fortunately, there is much we can do to protect our ecologically rich landscape. A previous letter to the editor, “Property Owners Should Work to Protect Ridgefield,” discussed ways in which Ridgefield residents, property owners, the city and the county may continue to work to protect our landscape. 

Let’s harmonize Ridgefield’s prosperous growth with its natural beauty. Contact me at byron.nurture@gmail.com to learn how you can take action.