Looking Back, Looking Forward
Friends' 2019-20 highlights
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, site of the largest restoration project ever on the lower Columbia. (photographer: Cate Hotchkiss)

In Difficult Times, Gorge Protection Work Goes On

Despite the challenges posed in its last several months by the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2020 was an exciting year for Friends of the Columbia Gorge. We contributed to the largest-ever habitat restoration project on the lower Columbia, found new ways to steward Gorge lands, worked with youth climate activists to engage local leaders, and continued work with Tribes to help protect the Gorge from increased rail traffic.

Below are highlights of Friends' 2019 accomplishments. Learn about successes and challenges; view a financial report; and read about how we expect the near-future of Gorge protection work to shake out.

Annual Report Highlights

Pleschette Fontenet and family
Board Reflections
By Pleschette Fontenet, Friends Board of Directors
 Steigerwald Shores
New Life at Steigerwald
Photo essay by Cate Hotchkiss
oil train on WA-14
Tribes Partner With Friends to Protect Wildlife Refuge
 Jane Corboy and John Rogers, land stewards
Stewarding the Gorge in the Time of COVID-19
Expenses graphic
Finances and Operations Weather Uncertain Times
By Paige Unangst, finance director
 Skamania Lodge by Sherri Irish
Forecasting the Unknowable
By Kevin Gorman, executive director

Ways You Can Help Now

Volunteers distribute water in Warm Springs
Contribute to Chúush: Water for Warm Springs Campaign
Learn more about a conservation community partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, MRG Foundation, and Warm Springs Action Team to restore Tribal access to and infrastructure for clean water.
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Donate to Friends Through the Give!Guide
Support Friends' work through the Give!Guide and your donation will be doubled.