Photo Credit: Doug Werner

A LETTER FROM
2025 BOARD PRESIDENTS

ANNETTE HANSON & KATHY STEICHEN

Dear Center Friends,

The Dungeness River Nature Center continued to evolve in 2025 as new education programs and exhibits were added, the volunteer program grew to capacity, more staff joined the team, and the Center brought people together as a community. The process of completing the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan focused our thoughts on why we are here, where we are headed, and how we fulfill our Mission, “To inspire understanding, respect, and stewardship of our natural and cultural resources.”

Recently we’ve seen many changes at the Center: needing more staff to offer the educational programs and services we strive to provide; combining the volunteer programs of the Center and Refuges into the Dungeness Nature Alliance; increasing our geographic reach through expanded school field trip programs; and adding more outreach activities to our community and region.

In 2025 we experienced challenges and opportunities to stabilize our intentional efforts to make a positive impact on those who visit Railroad Bridge Park and the River Center. The strength of our amazing partnership with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, and National Audubon Society; and the Center’s members, donors, staff, volunteers, grantors, and visitors provided the support needed to move forward with our Strategic Plan and Mission. 

Thank you for your dedication, service, and commitment to the Dungeness River Nature Center.

Board President, July-Sept 2025

Board President, October 2025-present

2025 Highlights

January: 

• Staff picked up Coho salmon eggs from Hurd Creek Fish Hatchery, beginning an annual hands-on learning journey for visitors and students culminating with the springtime release of juvenile salmon by local 6th graders.
• Bridge to Birding series launched in partnership with the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society (OPAS).
• The River Center continued the Nature Documentary Film Series.
• AmeriCorps educator Annabelle Mayer joined the River Center team.
• Other programs: Nature Art for Kids and Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe (JST) Youth Activities.

February:

• Education staff launched the Junior Naturalist Program, offering the art and craft elements of the long-standing Nature Art for Kids program while introducing new hands-on science elements. The goal was to blend creativity and discovery for young learners aged 4-12.
• Visitors explored the salmon life cycle through interactive egg displays, building awareness of watershed health and local species.
• The River Center partnered with the Peninsula Trails Coalition to host the Traveler Series, featuring guest speakers sharing their travels. 
• In partnership with OPAS, the River Center supported the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen science effort.
• Volunteer Field Trip Naturalists recruited and trained.
• The unified volunteer program serving both the River Center and the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Refuge Management Program officially named "Dungeness Nature Alliance" (DNA).
• Other programs offered: Tai Chi, Film Series, Nest Box Building, JST Youth activities, and the first 5th grade classroom visit.

March: 

• New hire: Visitor Services Assistant, Karen Hickerson, joined the River Center team to work with visitors and volunteers, and to manage the Gift Shop.
• BroomBusters led by Gretha Davis completed its 13th annual peer-to-peer campaign removing invasive Scotch Broom along the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) while raising funds for the River Center. In 2025 BroomBusters removed over 12,000 plants and logged 107 volunteer hours.
• Annabelle Mayer published "A Day in the Life of the Dungeness River Nature Center" on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1E1w19Vjwa/
• 5th Grade River Study field trips start at the River Center: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GhXtXEVsn/
• Other programs offered: Film Series, 5th grade classroom visits, JST Youth activities, Junior Naturalist, and Tai Chi.

April:

• Launched a new teen stewardship book club project featuring the book Braiding Sweet Grass.
• New interpretive signs installed throughout Railroad Bridge Park. The illustrated outdoor exhibits explore the deep interconnections between the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s cultural traditions and the natural resources of the Dungeness River, inviting visitors to experience the landscape through a rich and meaningful lens. 
• BirdFest 2025 was a great success: Over four days, participants explored some of the Peninsula’s most ecologically rich locations, from coastal bluffs and estuaries to forested trails: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1924p2WsJX/ 
• Lower Dungeness Wildflower Walks returned for the season, co-led by John Bridge and Montana Napier, giving participants the opportunity to explore native plants and the ecology of the Dungeness River watershed.
• Other programs: Film Series, Earth Week Family Film, Tai Chi, Junior Naturalist, JST Youth activities, 5th grade field trips and classroom visits.
• Position descriptions created for volunteers to aid in recruitment.
• DNA Volunteer Handbook completed.
• Launched inaugural DNA Volunteer Open House and Orientation and first Basic Skills Workshop—foundational onboarding processes enabling volunteers to move between roles.
• More than 90 new and returning volunteers completed Basic Skills Workshop.

May: 

• Launched our 2025 GiveBIG campaign featuring Stories of the River: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd_RIuvSWqinQer3LL_FC7xf8zzwuB7hf&si=RI022X9M5UyTuS9h T
• 6th Grade Stewardship Field trips began: Students jumped into a variety of activities as part of the stewardship program focused on caring for the Dungeness River and the land surrounding it. They identified and removed invasive plants like Scotch broom, created wildflower seed bombs, explored the salmon life cycle, and released Coho fry into the river. 
• River Center staffed a booth and provided activities at the Irrigation Festival.
• Other programs: Adult Nature Journaling, Native Plants and Noxious Weeds Workshop, Forest Bathing, Tai Chi, Junior Naturalist.
• A leadership transition provided Board members an opportunity to become more involved with the Center's day-to-day operations.

June: 

• Presented new Nature Explorers 1-Day Camp.
• Presented new Salmon Stewards 2-Day program in partnership with NOSC.
• Upper Dungeness Wildflower Walks began.
• Launched educational pop-up programs at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge in partnership with Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe.
• Other programs: Native Bee Walk & Talk, Tai Chi, Adult Nature Journaling, Ian’s Ride presentation, Forest Bathing, Junior Naturalist, final field trips and classroom visits.

July:

• Initiated new Nature Trivia event at the River Center (facilitated by Annabelle Mayer).
• Dine on the Dungeness returned on the Riverside Plaza.
• Girls in Science Camp returned, giving young girls the opportunity to think like scientists through hands-on discovery and outdoor learning. Thirteen (13) curious and enthusiastic girls participated in three themed days of scientific adventure. They began their journey as botanists, learning about native plants and exploring the forest. On day two, they became ornithologists, identifying birds with binoculars and dissecting owl pellets. The final day brought them to the Dungeness Spit for a field experience as marine biologists at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
• Sunset Speaker Series started.
• Presented special Crow & Raven Storytime with guest Elena Fox.
• New Hire: Deneb Maine joins the River Center as an education coordinator.
• Volunteer Appreciation Form launched as a new way to recognize outstanding volunteers.
• River Center staffed an outreach booth at Canoe Journey.
• Other programs: Tai Chi, Junior Naturalist, Print Making for Teens & Storytime in the Park in partnership with NOLS, field trips for youth groups.

August: 

• The 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament led by Board member Annette Nesse with support from volunteers and other Board members was a great success.
• For the Love of the Dark Sky Program in Partnership with DarkSky Olympic Peninsula.
• River Center Film Series partnered with Feiro Marine Life Center to present Ocean.
• River Center staffed outreach booth at Sequim Back to School Fair.
• Partnered with NOSC on community Salmon Viewing Walks.
• Author Lynda Mapes presented a special talk about her book, The Trees are Speaking.
• Other programs: Junior Naturalist, Nature Storytime in the Park & Toddler Games in partnership with NOLS, Nature Explorers 1 Day Camp, Sunset Speaker Series, Wildflower Walks.

September: 

• The 2025 Dungeness River Festival welcomed over 1,400 attendees to Railroad Bridge Park, featuring over 20 interactive booths hosted by local agencies and organizations. View the highlights here: https://youtu.be/srS467g7gAY?si=OaTm3C8JbaEKM0Oi
• Pink salmon returned to spawn in the Dungeness River, drawing visitors to the park for an opportunity to observe these abundant travelers up close. Their return also provided valuable educational opportunities, helping guests learn about the salmon life cycle and the importance of healthy river ecosystems.
• River Center staffed outreach booth at Streamfest.
• Loni Greninger and Montana Napier partnered on a Traditional Foods Presentation and River Center Tour.
• Other programs: Tai Chi, Nature Storytime with NOLS, Junior Naturalist, Film Series, NOSC Salmon Viewing Walks, JST Youth activities.
• Held the first Annual Volunteer Celebration Party.

October: 

• Vibrant fall colors and salmon runs made the park an exciting place to visit, and we welcomed visitors from near and far to experience the season with us.
• New hire: Michael Glore hired as the River Center Executive Director.
• Partnered with the Olympic Peninsula Fungi Festival on an evening presentation at the Center.
• New “Not-so-scary Halloween” community event: a night full of learning, adventure, and fall fun for the whole family. 
• River Center had an outreach booth at the Fungi Festival.
• Other programs: Mushroom Talk, Forest Bathing, Junior Naturalist, Film Series, Tai Chi, youth field trip.
• Launched the volunteer-facilitated Nature Book Club.

November:

• Nature Mart kicked off the holiday season led by Tuttie Peetz and the Nature Mart Committee volunteers and crafters. Sixty two (62) volunteers gave 339 hours across 108 shifts to help raise $27,000 for the River Center.
• Bridge and Park holiday lights turned on.
• Other programs: Junior Naturalist, Film Series, youth field trips.
• Held a second Volunteer Open House and Orientation, and Basic Skills Workshop welcoming more than 25 new volunteers.

December:

• The River Center welcomed two new AmeriCorps educators to the team, Julius Lam and Nikki Pyle.
• Twinkling Lights and Holiday Delights series began—six weekend events to celebrate the season and bring together community.
• Giving Tuesday was our most successful yet raising $17,792 featuring a theme of gratitude. 
• Staff and volunteers participated in the annual Sequim-Dungeness Christmas Bird Count. 
• Programs: Film Series.

Photo Credits: Shannon Dell

The River Center's mission is to inspire understanding, respect, and stewardship of our natural and cultural resouces.

"Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events of their lives."
— Thomas Berry

Education in Action: 11,605 Reached in 2025

Inspiring Learning Across Generations

Our educational programs bring people of all ages together to explore and study the unique environment around the Dungeness River. In 2025, the Center welcomed 11,605 participants to our educational programs. From hands-on science for students to guided walks for adults, these experiences gave our community meaningful ways to learn, grow, and build lasting connections to nature.

Youth Programs

• School Field Trips: 5th and 6th graders learned real-world river science and practiced watershed stewardship.
• Nature Summer Camps: Active outdoor programs designed to build confidence in nature and science for kids ages 6-12.
• Junior Naturalists: Creative nature play, interactive science lessons, and crafts that connect kids to the seasons.

Adult Programs

• Expert-Led Walks: Popular educational walks focused on local birds, wildflowers, and bees along park trails and within the greater watershed.
• Speakers & Workshops: Local ecology classes, Backyard Birding presentations, and our signature Sunset Speaker Series.
• Nature Wellness: Holistic outdoor classes to slow down and center yourself through Tai Chi and Forest Bathing.

Festivals & Community Celebrations

• Dungeness River Festival: A free annual event filled with interactive exhibits celebrating our local watershed.
• Olympic BirdFest: Our biggest fundraiser, hosted alongside the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society and the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. People travel from all over the country to learn about local birds and habitats. 
• Not-So-Scary Halloween & Twinkling Lights, Holiday Delights: Seasonal events that build community and celebrate nature.

None of this would be possible without the incredible educators, volunteers, and partners who bring these moments to life. Whether we are gathering in the classroom or standing at the river's edge, we are proud to foster a community of lifelong learning.



- Montana Napier, Education Manager

Thank You to All Who Volunteer!

Nearly every highlight in this report was supported by volunteers.

2025 was a year of growth and change for the Dungeness Nature Alliance (DNA), the volunteer program that supports the Dungeness River Nature Center and the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Refuge Management Program. We built new systems, developed new processes, and welcomed many new faces into our already amazing volunteer community.

Volunteers contributed more than 12,000 hours to advancing understanding, respect, and stewardship of our natural and cultural resources, providing more than $500,000 in value to our community. Yet, the impact of our volunteers extends far beyond the hours they serve. After their shifts end, they continue to share our mission throughout the community. They are our biggest advocates.



We are deeply grateful for them.

- Leshell Michaluk-Bergan, Volunteer Manager

"To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has
its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, 
a picture which was never seen before,
and which shall never be seen again."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Financial Allocations & Graphs:
The Story at a Glance

Click here to view this report in full resolution

Click here to view this report in full resolution

Click here to view this report in full resolution

2025 ANNUAL REPORT BUDGET NOTES for the Pie Charts

The current 2025 financial pie charts are consistent with prior years to show comparative results from operations. Operating revenue includes donations, grants, gift shop revenues, and gross proceeds from fundraising events like BirdFest and the Golf Tournament. Operating income does not include any investment income or any revenue that is restricted by campaigns or grants.

The combined revenue from fundraising and donations increased significantly in 2025 and revenues stayed strong for Nature Mart and our education programs. In general, however, it was another challenging year for non-profits, particularly in terms of grants. On the plus side, the Center was uniquely qualified to receive some education-related grants.

The expenses in total increased compared to 2024 primarily due to our growth and increases in staff and building costs. We continue to improve the allocation formula to be more objective and to capture more staff/volunteer time to programs. Depreciation is an operating but non-cash expense for the wear and tear of the building and contents. The expense categories we use are determined by the IRS for our Form 990 Return.

The charts and financial information pertain to 2025 so it's a look back. The board monitors the 2026 budgeting and current activity by reviewing monthly financial reports that compare actual to budget.

The staff and Board Treasurer collaborated to prepare a budget for the current year. The Treasurer produces monthly financial reports to the Board that compare actual to budget.

- Wanda Schneider, Board Treasurer

Thank You
For inspiring generations with your gifts
to the River Center!

$25,000 & ABOVE

Shirley Anderson

$10,000 & ABOVE

Rose Forbes Estate

Tuttie & Richard Peetz

Gary & Victoria Reed
Mike Shonsey & Kathy Jenkins

$5,000 & ABOVE

W. Ron & Merine Allen

Anonymous Donor
Laura Dubois
Dave & Julie Jackson
Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society
Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau
Gary Poor
Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce

Rebecca & Zandy Stewart

2,000 & ABOVE

7 Cedars Resort

David & Chrystina Bruneau

Syrene Forsman

Humanities Washington

Kerry & Mike McCool

Martha & George Moyer

Lyn Muench

Sallie Radock

Marion Rutledge

Terry Santos

Wanda & Mike Schneider

Maria (Molly) Schwarz

Seattle Foundation

Sequim Sunrise Rotary

Eftin & Ingrid Strong

Kathy Strozyk

Ken Wiersema

1,000 & ABOVE

Alliance Steel Erectors Inc

Jill Blake

Robert & Barbara Boekelheide

Scott & Jan Burgett

Doris Causey

Estate of Virgina Clark

Don & Vicki Corson

Gretha & Doug Davis

Kris Ecklund

Jean Harrington 

Colin Hiday Concrete Inc

Jamestown HealthCARE

Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe

Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Economic Development Authority

Carrie Kalina

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Ingrid Lehrer

Walt & Montel Livingston

Mike Milward & Ellen Vogt

Bill & Nancy O'Brien

Otak

Margie Palmer

Sandra Pysher

Red Kite Employment Law

Beth & Cappy Rothman

Judy Russell & Carlos Diaz

Hal & Jo Scott

Monika Sperke & David Simon

Dee & Terry Sweeney

Stephen Tharinger

Roseline & Jay Tomlin

Trotter & Morton Facility Services Inc.

Wilder Auto Center

$500 & ABOVE

Paulette Ache

Alder Wood Bistro

Angeles Millwork & Lumber Co.

Air Flo Heating

Connie & Stan Barron

Jennifer Bouman-Steagall

Andy & Patty Bowman

John & Rose Bridge

Sue Chickman

First Fed

Stacey Fradkin

Audrey G. Gift

Harbor Foodservice

Hartnagel Building Supply Inc.

Annette Hanson

Daniel Houk

Sharon S. Howard

Laura Katz

Klahhane Club

Dow & Marlene Lambert

Brian Marts

Chris & Keith McCann

Mike Michalek

Catherine & Tom Mix

Bill & LaVonne Mueller

Sasha Muench

Norberg Family Foundation

Olympic Mailing & Printing

Skip & Caroline Perkins

Nancy Peyton & Doug Earp

Bob & Enid Phreaner

Janet & Francis Piccola

Karen Pinell

Port Angeles Marathon Association

Barbara Reavis

Stephanie Sherman

Sherry & Randy Smith

Kathy & Gailen Steichen

Cheryle Sullivan & Jennifer Kabat

Ann Testerman

Lisa Turecek

Mickie Vail

Yvonne Yokota

$200 & ABOVE

Christopher Almy

Kathy Bachman

Robert Begin

Mike & Judy Bromell

Ken & Mary Campbell

Castell Insurance

Scott & Nell Clausen

Rosemary Cockrill

Eileen Cooney & Chris Jones

Lucy Copass

Jeff & Wendy Dahlgren

Cassandra Davis-Ramon

John & Judy Farnsworth

Diane Fatzinger

Nancy & Jeff Foro

Ferdinand & Eleanor Geiger

Kathy Gordon

Don & Clare Hatler

Jonathan Jack Insurance Agency Inc

Tina Jackson

Jamestown Excavating

Dale Jarvis & Diana Lee

John R Kertis Estate

Ken & Carol Kidder

Rick & Suzanne King

$200 & ABOVE (Continued)

Korsmo Construction

Amala Kuster

Brenda Landstrom

Jim & Ruth Lavrakas

Jack Lehnert & Helen Xiao-Li

Ken & Janie Leuthold

Lodge at Sherwood Village

Randy & Debbie Long

Mary McConney & Marlin Eller

Ruth Messing

Lori Moilanen

Janet Mullen

Annette & Pete Nesse

Olympic Peninsula Title Co.

Ann & Dave Perkins

Mary Porter-Solberg & Steve Solberg

Ted & Kathy Poston

Mike Repko & Gail Kramer

Cyndi & Dave Runstrom

Jean & Jack Sargent

Ann Sargent

Sense Incorporated

Sequim Medical Associates

Libby Ann Smith

Sound Community Bank

Bob Steelquist

Sunny Farms Country Store

Agnete & Bill Vaughan

Bruce & Carol von Borstel

Wenaha Group Inc

Elke Wiersema

Jackson & Elizabeth Williams

Pat Willits

$100 & ABOVE

1st Security Bank

Liam Antrim & Pam Maurides

Denny Bellow

Allan and Claire Bernards

WIlliam Biery

Sarah & John Bird

Susan Blake & Chris Breen

Katherine Bohnet

Phyllis & Bruce Borner

Jan Brahms & David Reneric

Leigh & Ron Briggs

Budget Blinds

Charles & Pam Bundy

Kathy & Rick Bush

Tracy & Tom Byers

Mike & Judy Canning

Nina Carter & Tom Rainey

Dave Chuljian

Cole's Jewelers

Dave & Ellen Cooper

Eric & Jean Crecelius

Mary Crook

Curtiss Davis

Amanda Dent

Stephen Deutermann & Jane Kirby

John & Linda Ellingboe

Eve Fieldhouse

Bob & Cece Fitton

Monica Fletcher & Steve Evans

Harriet Fuji

Evelyn Gordon

Nancy & Lee Gould

A. Gregory & R. Holbrook

Georgia Gregory

Nancy & Ed Grier

Pat & Dick Gritman

Jordan Gurrentz

Sheryl Gurrentz

Russ Hall

Jim & Ann Harris

Iva Haukenes

Bonnie Herman

Rick & Paulette Hill

Louise Holmes

Mike & Pat Hovis

Paul Howard & Sara Farinelli

Carrol Hull & Alan Clark

Hugh & Beverly Jennings

Jim's Pharmacy & Home Health

Randy Johnson

Severne Johnson

Hugh & Rhonda Joslyn

Joan Krogh & Dave Small

Judy Lane

Kathleen Larson

Joy Leach

Bambi & Chris Leonard

Cindy Lowe

Bob Marine & Carol Colbeck

Karen May

Debera & Joel McGehee

Dennis McGibney

Darcy & Joel McNamara

Judith Milner

Scott & Cindy Moore

Anne & Alan Morrison

Lisa & David Murphy

Cynthia & David Nowowiejski

Suzie Nunley

Conn & Virginia O'Neil

Martin & Deborah Ozga

The Portland Garden Club

Andrew Poultridge & Noelle Nordstrom

Ann Poundstone

Debra Ralls

Jamie Reudink

Rice Fergus Miller Inc

Marsha Robin

Bonnie Roos

Pamela Rosenthal

Thomas and Elizabeth Ruggiero

Sacred Echoes of Nature

Jocelyn Scheintaub

Libby & Les Schnick

John & Rose Sebastian

Tim & Robin Shank

Nancy & Bill Shaw

Cheryl & Gib Siard

Dianne Skiver

Doug & Sherri Smith

David & JoAnne Stewart

Barbara & Jon Stroud

Karla Strutzel

Carlyn Syvanen & Stephen Vause

Swain's General Store

Connie & Clete Toschlog

Roger & April Uhden

Lance Vail & Terri Traub

Barbara Vanderwerf

Marilyn Walsh

Ron & Jan Wehner

Joan & Markos Weiss

Tim Wheeler

George & Jolie Will

David Winters

Michael H. Witkin

DONORS WHO GAVE $99 OR BELOW:

400 Donors

Gifts Given in Memory and in Honor
of Family and Friends in 2025

GIFTS IN MEMORY OF:

Sharon Eckstein

Mark Lee Freed

Gloria Ganther

Howard & Dora Krutolow

Bob Lynette

Judy Pysher

Tim Quinn

Gary Traveis

John Willits

John R. Kertis

GIFTS IN HONOR OF:

Aural & Gordon Burdick

Sue Chickman & Bob Lynette

Patti Dunlap

Stacey Fradkin

Michael Glore

Powell Jones

Dow & Marlene Lambert

LeRoy & Marion Sebastian

Tim Shank

Dungeness River Nature Center
Board of Directors, July 2025 - June 2026

Board Members who served a partial term
from July 2025 - June 2026:

Cynthia Golledge

Matt McCoy

Ken Wiersema

Board Member Emeritus:

Shirley Anderson

Clare Manis Hatler

Ken Wiersema

The following individuals served in staff roles throughout 2025. This list reflects staffing changes and transitional leadership during the year.

Executive Leadership

• Frank Lowenstein, Executive Director
• Dungeness River Nature Center Board of Directors
• Michael Glore, Executive Director

Operations

• Vanessa Fuller, Operations Manager
• Karen Hickerson, Visitor Services Coordinator
• Jennifer Waters-White, Communications Coordinator

Education

• Montana Napier, Education Manager
• Deneb Maine, Education Coordinator
• Annabelle Mayer, AmeriCorps Educator
• Julius Lam, AmeriCorps Educator
• Nikki Pyle, AmeriCorps Educator

Volunteer Coordination

• Leshell Michaluk-Bergan, Volunteer Manager

Park Hosts

• Kyle Shaw
• Charles and Michelle Sherwood
• Mike and Terri Manze

And fantastic volunteers.

Thank you for reading. See you at the River Center!