July News & Events

News and Events

July 2023

1943 West Hendrickson Road, Sequim

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

and stewardship of our natural and cultural resources.

The Ones Who Got Away

The Berson/Van Kirk/Goudreau family, pictured above, visited the River Center straight off the plane from Colorado last week. They were staying in Sequim for a birthday bash and were intrigued by Railroad Bridge Park. The goal for their trip was to go whale-watching and see what other adventures they can check off their bucket list.

They said releasing Coho fry into the Dungeness River was "The bucket list item we didn't even know we needed!"

They named their fish Lovey, Bailey, Indy, Freddy, and Sal.

The fry were raised in the Center's aquarium from eggs that hatched March 6. Visitors have been encouraged to give their fish a name and a motivational speech before releasing it into the river.

Photo and report by Education Manager, Montana Napier

Purple Martins at 3 Crabs, photo by Dow Lambert

Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society

Backyard Birding

Purple Martins

A two-part program presented by

Ken Wiersema and Dow Lambert

Sat., July 1, 2023

(Part I) 8:30 am

Offisite: Visit tideflats adjacent to 3 Crabs Road, Sequim

(Part II) 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Indoors: Purple Martin habitat, diet, nesting, and data

Rainshadow Hall

Suggested donation: $5

This season's Backyard Birding series ends with a special presentation about North America’s largest swallow, the Purple Martin.

Because of habitat loss and nesting competition with human-introduced species, this bird is nearing “threatened” status by Washington State.

Since 1998 Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society has committed to provide safe and species-specific nesting cavities to help the Martins nest and reproduce successfully and to remain a part of our state’s vibrant array of birds.

The first part of the program is a short, quarter-mile walk along the tide flats adjacent to 3 Crabs Road.

Please dress for the weather and wear waterproof shoes or boots that extend to mid-calf. Also, bring your binoculars for up-close views!

The second part of the program, at the River Center's Rainshadow Hall, includes background information on migration, diet, nesting requirements and data on the birds' progress adapting to human-made nesting cavities.

Participants may choose to attend either the outdoor or indoor segment, or both.

Admission is free. However, we suggest a donation of $5.00 per person to support our ongoing education and bird conservation programs.

For more information click here

Nature Art for Kids

Sundays in July, 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!

Recommended for ages 4-11. You can pay at the River Center front desk.

Note: parents/guardians, please plan to stay at the River Center with your child rather than drop them off. If your child completes their craft early, you and your child do not need to stay until 3 p.m.

Sun., July 9: Paint a Pot, Plant a Seed. Back by popular demand! Learn about seeds and plants, then paint a small pot to put them in.

Sun., July 23: Catch Ya Later, Pollinator! Learn about pollinators and how they help plants grow. Paint wooden butterfly, bee, & flower cutouts.

More classes are scheduled for August 6, Sept. 3 and 17. Please check www.DungenessRiverCenter.org for details or contact education manager Montana Napier at montana@DungenessRiverCenter.org.

Learning Our Landscape

History of the Dungeness River Railroad Bridge

and the North Olympic Peninsula Railroads

Thursday, July 13

3 p.m. online

Presented by Ken Wiersema

The completion of the Dungeness River Railroad Bridge in 1915, and the subsequent rail connection to Port Townsend, brought modern land-based transportation to the North Olympic Peninsula.

Built to enable transporting the Peninsula’s timber to the markets of the world, the railroad made lasting marks on the North Olympic Peninsula's landscape and economy.

Learn how the bridge was designed and built, and how it has been repaired and transformed as an important pedestrian crossing over the Dungeness River on the Olympic Discovery Trail that stretches from Port Townsend past Lake Crescent.

Join through the Library's website at https://library.jamestowntribe.org/home/ProgramsEvents

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87698275538?pwd=WWlpOUdnSkoxQjduZ3hsQ21VWjdLUT09

For more information:

360-681-4632 or library@jamestowntribe.org

The kids are back!

For the first time since 2019, the River Center was able to host multiple field trips for students within the local community. This spring alone, we welcomed 22 classes from 2nd grade through high school.

Staff have loved using the Cedar Hat Classroom as our basecamp, and the new Exhibit Room inside the River Center really adds to the students' experience.

Both are wonderful additions to Railroad Bridge Park. A warm thank you for your support of the River Center's education programs!

Education Manager Montana Napier

Photos by Matthew Nash, courtesy of the Sequim Gazette

Sunset Speaker Series:

Connections to place

"When geologists are in the mountains, they are thinking

about the ocean"

With geologist Dann May

Sat., July 15

7 p.m.

Outside seating on the River Center's Plaza

$5 suggested donation

Learn about the geological forces that shaped the Olympic Peninsula--from the Cascadia Subduction Zone and plate tectonics, to Ice Age continental glaciers, submarine volcanic eruptions, and deep sea turbidites formed by underwater “avalanches.” We will also take a brief look at the common rocks of the Olympic Peninsula.

Professor Dann May teaches courses in geology, anthropology, and philosophy at Peninsula College. Dann received degrees in geology from the University of Washington in Seattle and his masters in philosophy from the University of North Texas. Before pursuing his teaching career, he worked as an exploration geologist with the Standard Oil Company in Dallas, Texas. Dann currently serves on the Olympic Coast Marine Sanctuary’s advisory board as the education chair.

For the Facebook event link click here

Yoga by the River--on the Plaza

July 15, 29 and 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.

Above, Smooth Douglasia, below Jeffrey's Shooting Star, photos by John Bridge

Flowers of the Olympic Peninsula

Wildflower Walks

in the Mountains

With John Bridge and

Montana Napier

Choose one of these days:

July 26, 27, or 28

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 growing at higher elevations. These July walks are in Deer Park, between Sequim and the city of Port Angeles. Carpool from the River Center's parking lot.

Click here for details and to register

Sunset Speaker Series:

Connections to place

"Paleochannels of the Dungeness: A Look at Archaeological & Geological Changes"

With David Brownell

Sat., July 29

7 p.m.

Outside seating on the River Center's Plaza

$5 suggested donation

David Brownell, Executive Director of the North Olympic History Center, will discuss the shifting "paleochannels" of the Dungeness River and establish an environmental and anthropological framework to reach a better understanding of the history of the Dungeness River since the end of the last ice age.

Together, you will look at archaeological, geological and other evidence to "recreate" the landscape of the North Olympic Peninsula as it adapted to changes in climate, biology, and other factors.

For the Facebook event link click here

Reserve a spot now for your child in

the River Center's summer camps

If your child loves nature, or enjoys science-based learning, or being outdoors, be sure to check out the remaining summer camp opportunities for 2023!

Olympic Discovery Trail Bike Camp

Tues.-Thurs., July 18, 19, 20, 9 a.m. - noon

Ages: 8-14, $175

Experience the trail from Diamond Point to the Elwha River in this 3-day action-packed adventure! Campers will travel through forests and farmlands, cross rivers and creeks, look for wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

For more information or to register click here

Creative Robotics Camp and Animal Parade

Mon.-Thurs., July 31 - Aug. 3, 9 a.m. - noon

Ages: 10-14, $200

In this camp, students will be combining art and technology to make their own robotic parade floats. The floats will be built out of common materials like cardboard, paint, and paper and brought to life through coding, motors, lights, and a variety of components.

For more information or to register click here

Girls in Science Camp

Wed.-Fri., Aug. 9, 10 and 11, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ages: 8-12, $275

This camp will immerse young 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