August News & Events

News and Events

August 2023

The mission of the Dungeness River Nature Center is to inspire understanding, respect,

and stewardship of our natural and cultural resources.

1943 West Hendrickson Road, Sequim, WA

Coho fry will remain in clear cold pools to feed on macro-invertebrates and insects through next spring when environmental cues signal their bodies to prepare for life in salt water. Photo by John Gussman.

Last of the Coho fry named and released by visitors

into the Dungeness River

Marissa visited the River Center to check out the finished building and new exhibits, and to visit a friend. Most of the year she lives in New Mexico, but for the summer she's working as a park ranger in the North Cascades.

She named her fry Linda after her mother.

She told Linda not to be afraid, to stay strong, that she is loved, to be free, and to find her way back here to her home. Oh, and to watch out for eagles!

Marissa's hopes and dreams for Linda are that she grow up strong and, after all her ocean adventures, return with her coho friends to the spot where she was released and rest peacefully.

Summer Family Storytime at

the Dungeness River Nature Center

Tues., August 1

10:30 – 11 a.m.

Geared toward children ages 5 and younger. Free to attend.

It's a chance for young children to listen to great books, learn new songs, and shake their wiggles out. Come hear nature-related stories, songs, and rhymes in the new outdoor plaza!

No pre-registration required. Just join us on the Plaza!

Summer Intern Madelyn Pickens taught her first Nature Art class about the importance of pollinators

Nature Art for Kids

Ages 4-11

Sun., August 6, 1 - 3 p.m.

$10 per child, per class

Are you looking for a fun way to get your kids or grandchildren outside and make some art?

All classes begin with a short lesson on nature before children begin work on a related craft. Anything they create, they get to take home!

Join us Sunday, August 6 for a unique activity where kids will make sun prints using plants found around the River Center and special paper. While their print dries, they will be tasked with painting a paper frame to display their completed artwork.

No pre-registration required. Please pay at the River Center front desk.

More classes are scheduled for Sept. 3 and 17. Please check www.DungenessRiverCenter.org for details or contact education manager Montana Napier at montana@DungenessRiverCenter.org.

A pair of Rhinoceros Auklets, photo by Mick Thompson

Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society Field Trip

Gardiner Beach and Diamond Point

Led by John Gatchet

Sun., August 6

8 - 10:30 a.m.

Free

Participants limited to 16, registration required

A variety of birds can be present during the month of August in the diverse habitats of Gardiner Beach and Diamond Point as they begin their southern migration after the breeding season.

Participants will meet at the Gardiner Beach Boat Ramp parking area at

8 a.m. After walking the Gardiner Beach and vicinity, we'll drive to Diamond Point via Gardiner Beach Road and Diamond Point Road to see what we can find.

Plan to walk short distances on pavement, on the grass, and on gravel. Bring clothes that are appropriate for weather conditions. A spotting scope, while not needed, would be helpful in observing some species. Participants will be asked to sign a liability release form on or before the day of the trip.

For more information contact John Gatchet at jfgatchet@gmail.com or at (503) 781-5043

Click here to learn more and register on the OPAS website.

Short and Long-billed Dowitchers, photo by Bob Boekelheide

Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society Field Trip

Dungeness Bay – Exploring the wetlands

Led by Kathy Barker McCoy

Tues., August 8

Begins 7 a.m.

Free

Limited to 15 participants. Registration required.

Low tide will give shorebirds, including ducks, geese, and mysterious gulls an expanse of feeding flats.

Trip leader Kathy Barker McCoy is an experienced birder who has lived on the Peninsula for one year, and is skilled at identifying birds. One tool she uses is eBird bar charts for Three Crabs in August. See it by clicking here.

Meet at the Three Crabs Fish & Wildlife parking lot (at west end of Three Crabs Road) at 7 a.m. After surveying birds there, the group will drive to Dungeness Landing County Park on Oysterhouse Road off Marine Drive.

Participants will have to hop a few beach logs to access Three Crabs beach. Dungeness Landing Park is accessible to all.

Participants must sign a liability release form on or before the day of the trip.

For more information contact Kathy McCoy at kbarkermcy@gmail.com

Click here to learn more and register on the OPAS website.

Yoga by the River--two more sessions

on the Plaza

August 19, 29

10 a.m.

With Instructor Alicia Amerson

Hosted by PNW Yoga Collective

Something new to look forward to!

Classes are basic beginner vinyasa flow with a bit of meditation at the start and end to calm the mind. Participants should bring their mats, water bottle, a hat or sunshade, sunglasses, and sunblock. Every level of yogi welcome.

No registration required. $10 suggested donation, all proceeds support future educational programs at the River Center.

Below: Jeffrey's Shooting Star, Photo by John Bridge

Flowers of the

Olympic Peninsula

Wildflower Walks

in the Mountains

With John Bridge and

Montana Napier

Choose one of these days:

August 23, 24 or 25

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

$40 per person

Join wildflower enthusiast John Bridge and Education Manager Montana Napier for a look at the wildflowers and their seed pods growing at higher elevations. These August walks are in Deer Park, between Sequim and the city of Port Angeles. Walking is on uneven surfaces; wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather; hiking poles are helpful.

Carpool from the River Center's parking lot.

Click here for details and to register

Sunset Speaker Series:

Connections to place

Forest Bathing & Awe:

An Invitation to an Embodied Practice

With Michael Stein-Ross

Sat., August 19

7 p.m.

Outside seating at the Cedar Hat Outdoor Classroom

(You might want to bring your own camp chair, 156 attended the last Saturday night event at the outdoor classroom)

$5 suggested donation, no pre-registration required

What exactly is Forest Bathing?

The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”). The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests.

Through his experience as a nature and forest therapy guide, Michael Stein-Ross explores how the practice of forest bathing can invite awe into our lives. He discusses the history of the practice as well as the science behind its physiological benefits. Throughout the talk Michael offers sensory-focused invitations to bring to life some of the themes of the discussion.

Forest Bathing & Awe:

A Guided Walk in Railroad Bridge Park

Sun., August 20

See below for times and registration link

$10 for DRNC members, or $15 for non-DRNC member

Come prepared to walk a mile or two through the forest and along the Dungeness River. All hiking abilities are welcome, but wear shoes with good traction for when you are on the gravel bar next to the river. Michael Stein-Ross will guide you through mindfulness exercises in nature. It’s best to attend his talk the night before (see above) for greater context around the practice of forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku.

Last call for Girls in Science

Ages 8-12

Day camp is Wed.-Fri., August 9, 10, 11

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

$275 for all three days

This camp will immerse younger girls in science, observation, and the great outdoors! They will explore different areas of the Dungeness River while learning about the plants and animals that live there. Girls in Science will also focus on collaboration and confidence building through teamwork and adventure!

For more information or to register click here

Enter to win a Weber Grill

and Accessories, an $850 value!

Raffle tickets just $20

at the River Center reception desk now through August 26!

Drawing will be held during the Dungeness River Charity Golf Tournament, August 26. You need not be present to win.

Info on Grill and Golf Tournament below!

Weber Spirit

3-Burner Propane Grill with Accessories

(Cover, Tools, Mitt, Hooks)

The 3-burner Weber Spirit E-315 propane grill has a spacious grilling area and convenient side tables for placing serving trays. The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates retain heat and are easy to clean. And the porcelain-enamel finish helps prevent rusting and cracking over time. Weber Spirit gas grills are built to last! Free delivery to the winner if you live within 20 miles of Sequim!

River Center Charity Golf Tournament!

Hosted by The Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course

Four person scramble format perfect for all golfers, casual to expert!

August 26, 2023

PRIZES!

Cash to the top 4 scoring teams

Hole-in-one $5,000 on #17

Smaller prizes for other Holes-in-one on Par 3s

Closest to the pin and long drive

Tee prizes for all players!

$20 Raffle tickets available up to the last minute to win a Weber propane grill, with accessories, valued at $850

Lunch – Pulled pork sandwiches with all the fixin’s

$100 per person

Includes green fees, cart, range balls, lunch, and prizes!

Buy a ticket on site to win a Weber grill,

winning ticket drawn at tournament.

Check in time 8:30 a.m. Shotgun start is 9:15 a.m.

All proceeds benefit the River Center's ongoing operations

and educational programs.

1965 Woodcock Road, Sequim

For more info and to register click here

Save the date!

Reserve your ticket now!

The River Center's monthly

film series begins

Thurs., September 14

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Featuring

"Stuffed"

a Documentary on

the Art of Taxidermy

This stunning film will be followed by

a panel discussion with Annette Hanson, Powell Jones, and Elizabeth Barrett, West End Taxidermy. Elizbeth recently refreshed the cougar's snarl for the River Center's exhibit room.

Get the inside story on the River Center's collection of mounted birds and mammals, many of them on display and some of them...still in the freezer.

Tickets $10, buy your tickets here

The film series, screening the second Thursday of every month from Sept.-April,

is a collaboration between the River Center

and the award-winning Jamestown S'Klallam Tribal Library

Hurricane Coffee at the River August Hours

Open Tues. through Sat., 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Closed Mon. & Sun.

Note: Due to staffing shortage we will also be closed Mon.-Wed., July 31-Aug. 2

The River Center is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays noon - 5 p.m.

Questions? Call the River Center at 360-681-4076

www.DungenessRiverCenter.org