By clicking the waiver box on the event registration page…
- I agree that hiking, biking, paddling, weed pulling, vegetation cutting, trash clean-up, and other outdoor activities may have inherent risk and I assume full responsibility for my own safety and the safety of others in my group (including any dependents here with me today).
- I agree to hereby release, forever discharge, indemnify, and hold harmless Friends of the Columbia Gorge and Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust and all its employees, volunteers, and other agents from any and all liability for injuries that may be sustained during this outing or traveling to and from this outing.
- I agree that I am responsible for my own medical and evacuation expenses, whether or not I am able to authorize them, in the case of any illness, accident, or other incapacity.
- I agree to follow instructions and guidance from Friends outing, work party, or outdoor activity leaders and shepherds during the outing and understand that my leaders may decline my participation if I’m deemed incapable of safely completing the outing, including if I’m not properly equipped.
- I agree that I did not bring any intoxicants, firearms, or pets (with the exception of dog-friendly outings).
- I agree and understand that on a stewardship work party outing, I accept the responsibility of using hand or motorized construction tools or may be working in the proximity of such tools when used by others that may cause injury or illness in remote places without medical aid. I also may be lifting and working on narrow and steep trails where unforeseen events caused by the forces of nature could occur.
- I agree and understand that Friends of the Columbia Gorge may use photographs of me with or without my name if over the age of 18 and for any lawful purpose, including for publicity, Gorge conservation effort, fundraising, and public education.
Latest News
Keep updated on Friends' work, news stories, and the work happening in the Columbia Gorge.
Photo Courtesy of Larry McCombs.
Appeals court ruling sets stage for protection of western gray squirrel in Washington state
February 20, 2026
A decision by the Washington State Court of Appeals on February 9, 2026, adds significant momentum to efforts to protect the state-endangered western gray squirrel in Washington, particularly in Klickitat County. The appeals court decision also highlights the ongoing failures of the Washington Department of Natural Resources to comply with the law and propose critical habitat for this imperiled species, as required by state law.
American bullfrog in pond weed. Photo by Peter Ziminski.
Invasive Predator: Inside the Race to Control the Deadliest Threat to Gorge Turtles
January 5, 2026
Friends of the Columbia Gorge is working with the U.S. Forest Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to control invasive bullfrogs across shared landscapes. Through coordinated, cross-boundary stewardship, partners have removed thousands of bullfrogs to protect the endangered Northwestern pond turtle.
Northwestern pond turtle basking on a log. Photo by Griffin Gillespie.
Native Prey: Inside a 30-Year Conservation Partnership to Save a Species
January 5, 2026
At Friends’ Turtle Haven and Alashík preserves, biologists and conservation partners are working behind the scenes to recover the endangered Northwestern pond turtle. From habitat restoration to bullfrog control and decades-long collaboration, this story traces how persistence, science, and partnership are helping a resilient species make a comeback in the Gorge.