A Protected Landscape of Ecological Importance
The Gorge Refuges encompass a network of protected lands shaped by water, stone, and time. These landscapes are defined by steep slopes, river corridors, forested ravines, and diverse ecosystems that support both wildlife and human connection to nature.
The refuge areas preserve habitats that are increasingly rare while offering opportunities for restoration, learning, and stewardship.
Ecology and Natural Features
Gorge landscapes are ecologically complex. Variations in elevation, moisture, and sunlight create microhabitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species.
Native forests, riparian corridors, and open slopes provide critical habitat for birds, mammals, pollinators, and aquatic life.
Stewardship Through Inclusion
The Gorge Refuges are stewarded with an inclusive approach that recognizes land care as both an environmental and social responsibility.
Refuge Stewards works alongside refugees, immigrants, and local community members to engage in hands on stewardship that builds skills, belonging, and long term care for the land.
Refugee Led Conservation Practices
Refugees bring diverse ecological knowledge, lived experience, and cultural perspectives to land stewardship.
Participation in conservation work provides opportunities for meaningful connection to place, healing through nature, and contribution to community wellbeing.
Restoration and Care
Stewardship activities within The Gorge Refuges focus on restoration, monitoring, and maintenance of natural systems.
- Invasive species management
- Trail maintenance and erosion control
- Native planting and habitat restoration
- Observation and documentation of ecological change
Learning From the Landscape
The Gorge Refuges serve as outdoor classrooms where participants learn about ecology, land history, and stewardship practices.
Learning is grounded in observation, shared experience, and respect for both natural and cultural histories of the land.
Community Connection
These protected lands provide spaces for quiet reflection as well as shared work.
By bringing people together across cultures and backgrounds, The Gorge Refuges strengthen relationships between communities and the landscapes they care for.
Long Term Protection
Protecting gorge landscapes requires long term commitment.
Refuge Stewards prioritizes sustainable stewardship practices that balance ecological health, community access, and conservation goals.
A Living Refuge
The Gorge Refuges are living landscapes shaped by natural processes and human care.
Through inclusive stewardship, these lands remain places of refuge for wildlife, water, and people — now and into the future.