News and Events

June 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.

Advertised to members first, the event sold out in just four days

"Dine on the Dungeness" returns July 28

The River Center opened advance reservations to members, Thurs., May 25, for late July's "Dine on the Dungeness."

In just four days over the Memorial Day weekend, the event sold out.

The opportunity to jump into line first for major events may be the best reason to join the River Center as a member. Family memberships are just $35 per year, and also give all members of your family eligibility to vote for new board members at the June 27 annual meeting and potluck.

“Dine on the Dungeness,” is literally dinner above the Dungeness riverbed on the deck of the historic bridge in Railroad Bridge Park.

Michael McQuay, classically trained chef of Kokopelli Grill, Port Angeles, will grill fresh local salmon on site, served with pineapple salsa, roasted red potatoes, ratatouille, and a dressed green salad. Dessert will be chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons and cookies from Sweet Beginnings. This unique event includes a no-host bar serving wine, beer, and cider.

This intimate gathering has become a River Center tradition because of the unforgettable view, the everlasting impressions, and the unique experience of dining on one of the last remaining “timber, Howe through-truss” railroad bridges in Washington State. 

If you'd like to become a member click here!

American Dipper and fledgling, photo by Dow Lambert

Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society

Backyard Birding

“Out of the Nest”

Presented by Ken Wiersema

Sat., June 3

10 a.m. - noon

Rainshadow Hall

Suggested donation: $5

Learn about parent birds’ roles in protecting, feeding, and leading their offspring as they grow and leave their nests.

Late spring and early summer are vulnerable times in the lives of fledglings. We will expand on how different species vary in raising their young.

Gain an understanding of changing food needs in early bird development and learn ways to make your yard more inviting and less hazardous for young fledglings.

For more information click here

Draw me!

Beginning Bird Drawing

with Robert Amaral

Thurs., June 8

|10:00 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Rainshadow Hall

Cost: $75 for DRNC members • $80 DRNC for non-members 

Increase your enjoyment of birding by looking closely and drawing your observations. You will learn essentials such as shape, proportion, and posture as you draw birds from the River Center’s collection of mounts. All skill levels are welcome, no previous drawing experience is necessary. There will be demonstrations, exercises, discussion, and one-on-one instructional help from instructor, artist, and illustrator Robert Amaral.



Click here for more information and to register

Above, left, Erik Kingfisher; right, Tom Sanford

Nature Art for Kids

scheduled for Sundays, 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.

Note: parents/guardians, please plan to stay at the River Center with your child rather than drop them off. Please arrive at 1 p.m. but if your child completes their craft early, you and your child do not need to stay until 3 p.m.

Sun., June 11: Paint a Pot, Plant a Seed. Learn about seeds and plants, then paint a small pot to put them in. Click here to register

Sun., June 25: More Tree Cookies, Please. Learn about trees and decorate a wooden “tree cookie” with paint. Kids can either turn their craft into a necklace, a coaster, or an ornament. Click here to register

More classes are scheduled for July 9 and 23, August 6, Sept. 3 and 17. Please check www.DungenessRiverCenter.org for details or contact education manager Montana Napier at montana@DungenessRiverCenter.org.

Above: Cynthia Daily, with Great Horned Owl

Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society

"Back on the Wing"

With Cynthia Daily, Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue

Wed., June 21

7 - 8:30 p.m.

Free, Rainshadow Hall

Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue is directed by Cynthia Daily, a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator for all types of birds. Cynthia has been a rehabilitator for over 38 years, starting in Albuquerque, NM in 1986. She moved to Port Townsend in 1994 when she started Discovery Bay Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center. 

Serving the Olympic Peninsula, the Rescue has over 30 outdoor enclosures that can accommodate an assortment of birds and their special needs. The Rescue takes in and releases hundreds of wild birds each year, ranging from the tiniest hummingbirds, native songbirds, crows, ravens, seabirds, waterfowl, owls, and other large raptors such as bald eagles and hawks.

Recently added is a medical room with X-ray and surgical capabilities. The Rescue receives 400 to 500 birds annually and relies primarily on public funding.



Ms. Daily will present her wide range of experiences at 7 p.m. on June 21 at the Dungeness River Nature Center. An assortment of live, glove-trained raptors will be in attendance and we'll be sharing their stories!

For more information click here

Headsets make it possible to hear John Bridge's narration over the roar of the river.

Photo by Montana Napier

Flowers of the Olympic Peninsula

Wildflower Walks

With John Bridge and Montana Napier

Choose one of these days:

June 21, 22, or 23

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

$40 per person

Join wildflower enthusiast John Bridge and River Center educator Montana Napier for a look at the wildflowers growing at higher elevations. These June walks are in Deer Park. Carpool from the River Center's parking lot.

Click here for details and to register

Save the date!

Annual Membership

Meeting & Potluck

Tuesday, June 27, 6 p.m.

Rainshadow Hall

Watch for a postcard in your mail inviting you to the River Center's Annual Meeting & Potluck in the Rainshadow Room.

There will be pie....charts (actual pie, if you bring one), an overview of what happened in 2022, a forecast for the coming six months, and voting on new board members.

Your postcard will give your membership expiration date above your name and address.

Become a member, or renew online here

New! July through Sept.

Sunset Speaker Series:

Connections to place

Outdoors on the plaza!

"When geologists are in the mountains, they are thinking

about the ocean"

With geologist Dann May

Saturday, July 15

7 p.m.

Rainshadow Hall

$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.

To register please 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 River Center’s summer camps for 2023! There are several full and partial youth scholarships available.

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 

Dirty Tires Bike Camp

Tues.-Thurs., Aug. 15, 16, 17, 9 a.m. - noon

Ages: 9-14. $175

This camp will help young bikers to build skills and confidence riding a mountain bike through the forested trails of Miller Peninsula State Park and Dungeness Trails. Campers will specifically work on how to negotiate and pedal through obstacles, proper braking, and bike body separation.

For more information or to register click here

Creative Robotics Camp: Critters

Mon.-Thurs., Aug. 21, 22, 23, 24, 9 a.m. - noon

Ages: 10-14, $200

In this camp, students will combine art and technology to make critters (real or imagined) out of common materials like cardboard, paint, and paper and bringing them to life through coding, motors, lights, and a variety of components.

For more information or to register click here

Hurricane Coffee at the River Spring/Summer Hours

Open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Closed Sundays

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

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



www.DungenessRiverCenter.org