Ridgefield
Confluence of the Columbia and Willamette rivers
Ridgefield, Wash.

The move of one of the Confluence Project’s seven sites from Frenchman’s Bar Park to Ridgefield celebrates the convergence of beauty with utility. In collaboration with Washington State University and the Port of Ridgefield, artist Maya Lin is crafting an environmental research center that perpetuates the Confluence Project’s vision of preserving natural resources for future generations.

Ridgefield, located just 10 miles from the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette rivers, hosts one of North America’s primary reserves for migrating waterfowl on the Pacific Flyway—a path of travel for migratory birds spanning from Alaska to Patagonia. The 5,217-acre refuge shares its fertile wetlands with an iconic past, including the Cathlapotle townsite, an ancient community discovered in 1806 by Lewis and Clark.

The decision to move to this historical and ecological crossroads has been met with great optimism. Hal Dengerink, Washington State University chancellor, calls the concept “a nice focal point for our aquatic and environmental research as well as our interest in environmental stewardship.”

Brent Grening, executive director of the Port of Ridgefield, also endorsed the move. “The idea supports the vision the Port has of developing the waterfront and the Port’s vision for North Clark County,” he says.

Maya Lin’s design integrates green building practices, maintaining the Confluence Project’s goal of promoting sustainability.

Long before Lewis and Clark spent the night here in March 1806, the area’s rich resources sustained large communities of people. An environmental research center, designed by Maya Lin in cooperation with Washington State University and the Port of Ridgefield, will honor the Confluence Project’s mission to protect our natural resources for future generations.

This site is still in the planning stage.

Bald Eagle