The Dungeness River Nature Center's mission is to inspire understanding,

respect, and stewardship of our natural and cultural resources.

Lessons from the Flashlight Forest

October marked our second-ever Not-So-Scary Halloween! One of our favorite activities of the evening was Flashlight Forest Detective, where we led guests on a magical night walk through the woods near the River Center. Costumed kids explored the forest after dark, searching for artificial animal eyes tucked among the trees and testing their own night vision by navigating stretches of trail without any light. The nighttime adventure sparked curiosity about the wildlife that depends on darkness and the unique ways animals navigate the night.

Artificial light at night can disrupt the natural rhythms of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, insects, and other nocturnal animals. Birds that migrate at night use the moon and stars, and artificial light can disorient them. Light at night can also disrupt amphibian activity and affect nighttime pollinators and plants.

Fortunately, a few simple changes around your home can help protect the night: close your curtains/blinds in the evening, switch to warm-toned bulbs, aim outdoor fixtures downward so light goes only where it’s needed, and use motion sensors or timers to reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting. For an extra touch, consider planting a moon garden with night-blooming plants for nighttime pollinators. Enjoy the night, and help preserve the natural cycle of light and dark that wildlife and plants depend on!

At a Glance

Featured Event

• Nov. 21 & 22 (weekend before Thanksgiving): Holiday Nature Mart

News & Coming Soon

• Welcome new River Center staff member, Holly!
• Donate to the Railroad Bridge Replacement Project
• Save the dates for Twinkling Lights—our festive family programming on select Fridays and Saturdays in December!
• Registration is open for Bridge to Birding, a 6 week series in winter 2027
• Want to learn more about becoming a volunteer? Come to our volunteer open house on Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Our annual Fall Fundraiser is approaching—keep an eye out for more information, or donate early today!

Upcoming Events

Tai Chi Series: Beginner & Ongoing (Nov. 2, 9, 16 & 23)

Cost: $40 for DRNC members | $50 for non-members

Connie offers two classes: Beginner Tai Chi at 12:30 p.m. and Ongoing Tai Chi at 1:30 p.m. (for those who have already attended a beginner series). All mobility levels are welcome.

Featured Event

Holiday Nature Mart

Always the weekend before Thanksgiving

Date & Time: Sat, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. & Sun, Nov. 22 from 12 to 4 p.m.
Free to attend!

Kick off the holiday season with a festive celebration that gives back! Come out and take a stroll through our beautiful park, surrounded by twinkling lights as you shop for unique handmade items inspired by nature. Get excited for one-of-a-kind arrangements, cozy clothing, ornaments, decorations, tasty baked goods, and more.

Pick out a freshly made, custom-crafted wreath from our artisans or make your own—we’ll show you how! Plus, be sure to grab a 2026 limited edition collector's ornament, featuring wildlife photography by Dave Shreffler (pictured). These items make perfect gifts that you won’t find anywhere else!

Want to volunteer? We have options for wreath-making, event setup, bake sale support, greeting guests, and more! The average shift length is just 3 hours, making it easy to find a way to lend a hand!

Save Your Yard Trimmings for Nature Mart!

Doing some fall pruning? Set aside your trimmings to help with Nature Mart wreath making! We will accept wreath-making materials at the River Center Nov. 15-20 during business hours, so please hold onto your cuttings until then.

If you are unable to bring materials to the River Center, volunteers may be available to pick up donations from your home on Nov. 14 or 15. 

We welcome donations of evergreen boughs (except hemlock), salal, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, Oregon grape, grapevines, male holly (without berries), hydrangeas, lichen, Bay laurel, and other natural dried materials. Please do not bring teasel or any non-native plants with berries or seeds. Materials should be fresh, please!

For more information or to request pick-up, send an email to tjshank@mac.com.

Volunteer Bakers Needed for Nature Mart!

The Nature Mart bake sale table is wildly popular. We love to offer all kinds of goodies—pies, cakes, cookies, fudge, candy, bread, muffins, etc. Bake and donate whatever you'd like! Having a few gluten free and vegan options is always appreciated. For questions or to sign up as a baker, send an email to msswartz@comcast.net.

Thank you for helping make Nature Mart happen! All proceeds benefit the River Center's ongoing operations and educational programs.

High Bluff Ecosystems Presentation & Rock Walk at the Refuge

Date & time: Presentation will take place on Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. at the River Center, Rock Walk will be held on Nov. 7 at 8:30 a.m. at the Wildlife Refuge.

Join us for two community workshops co-sponsored by the Coastal Watershed Institute (CWI), the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, and the Dungeness River Nature Center. Coastal systems experts Dave Parks and Nicole Harris from CWI will explore the geologic history of the Dungeness bluffs, ongoing bluff erosion research, and the vital role high bluff shorelines play in supporting forage fish and salmon. Both workshops are free to attend.

OPAS Backyard Birding: Birds—The Inside Story

Date & time: Nov. 7, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Free to attend, $5 suggested donation

Join Shirley Anderson & Ken Wiersema for their "inside story" program, designed for folks new to birding and to our region—as well as for those who wish to hone and expand their birding knowledge and skills! The program focuses on the physical features and senses unique to birds, examining how birds eat, digest, see, breathe, sing, hear, reproduce, and fly.

Photo: Wilson's Warbler singing by Mick Thompson

Film Series: "An Invitation to Wonder"

Date & time: Nov. 12, 2-3pm
Cost: $10 for DRNC members | $12 non-members

"An Invitation to Wonder" follows a young filmmaker into the Waubesa Wetlands, a place that shaped his childhood and his grandfather's life's work.Along the way, the film reveals the beauty, secrets, and importance of wetlands and our connection to all living things.

Community Craft: Sit-Upons

Date & time: Nov. 12, 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Free to attend!

Once again, we are calling crafters of all ages: come for our third community crafting event. Our sit-upon cushions are a success and we need more! We have so many fun fabrics to choose from, no need to bring any. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your sewing machine!

Book Talk: "Dungeness" by Karen Polinsky

Date & time: Nov. 13, 5-6:30 p.m.
Free to attend!

Celebrate the all-new edition of Dungeness, a 19th-century coming-of-age mystery inspired by S'Klallam chronicler Mary Ann Lambert and featuring a new essay by her great-niece, Sherry Macgregor. Sherry and Karen will share family stories and explore how local history can build community and a more resilient democracy.

Nature Journaling

Date & time: Nov. 14, 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $10 per person

Slow down, look closely, and reconnect with nature through the mindful practice of nature journaling. Use words, numbers, & pictures to reflect on our surroundings. Supplies (colored pencils, watercolors, paper) provided; feel free to bring your own!

OPAS Program: "Deep Birding: Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of Birds in a Rapidly Changing Climate"

Date & time: Nov. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
Free to attend, donations appreciated

Join award-winning writer Steve Hampton for an exploration of how North America's birds have responded to centuries of changing habitats. From the large-scale changes associated with European colonization to today's rapid climate change, discover why some species are adapting, and some are not.

Photo: Northern Spotted Owl chick by Sylvia Hunt / Audubon Photography Awards

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks in Railroad Bridge Park

Wednesday Bird Walks is one of the River Center's longest running programs. For over 25 years, volunteers have conducted weekly bird surveys along the Olympic Discovery Trail, collecting valuable data on local bird populations. Join us Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.—bring binoculars and meet in the River Center parking lot.

Coming Soon

Film Series Continues on Dec. 10 with Chasing Time

Don't miss our final nature film screening of the year! Watch the trailer for Chasing Time and grab your tickets now!

Countdown to Our Holiday Twinkling Lights Series!

On select Fridays & Saturdays in Dec., enjoy family-friendly activities such as crafts, cookie decorating & more!

Join the Pre-Christmas Bird Count Field Trip on Dec. 12

Join OPAS for a bird count field trip to Carrie Blake Park and John Wayne Marina on Dec. 12! Registration is required.

Bridge to Birding: A 6-Week Series

Dates & times: Thursdays, Jan. 14 through Feb. 19, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $165 for OPAS or DRNC members | $195 for non-members


Registration is open! Learn the fundamentals of birdwatching from local experts, including bird identification, birding by ear, ecology, migration, and more. Includes weekly 2.5 hour classes, two bonus field trips, binoculars to borrow if needed, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow birders. Scholarships are available! Offered in partnership with the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society.

Find Your Place at the DNA Volunteer Open House

Date & time: Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Interested in volunteering along the river or out on the refuge? Stop by our Volunteer Open House to meet staff from the Dungeness River Nature Center and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s Refuge Management Program, explore opportunities, and find out where you might fit. Drop in anytime between 11 and 1! 

The Dungeness Nature Alliance (DNA) is a joint volunteer program serving the Dungeness River Nature Center and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s Refuge Management Program, which manages the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge. One application opens the door to opportunities with both programs, from environmental education and visitor engagement to habitat restoration and community outreach. 

We’re welcoming our next group of volunteers and would especially love to meet people interested in: 

• Refuge kiosk greeters: Welcome visitors, answer questions, and help them enjoy their visit. We’re already planning for the summer crew and looking to grow our team. 
• Outreach booths: Represent the River Center or the Refuges at community events. 
• Stewardship: Remove invasive plants, plant native species, and help keep local habitats healthy. 

The open house is optional, but all new volunteers must attend a Volunteer Basic Skills Workshop on Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or Feb. 18 from 2-5 p.m. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. 

Ready to get involved? Fill out the online application using the link below or send an email to dna@jamestowntribe.org.

News

Welcome New Staff Member, Holly!

Holly Levinski is the new Office Administration Coordinator at the River Center. She brings a diverse background spanning both environmental and business-focused roles, along with a passion for community engagement and stewardship of the natural world.

Holly holds an Associate of Applied Science in Greenhouse Management from Hennepin Technical College, a Certificate in Horticultural Therapy from the Horticultural Therapy Institute, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management from Peninsula College. Throughout her career, she has intentionally focused on roles centered around care, service, and support while continuing to expand her professional skills. Joining the Dungeness River Nature Center provides an opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow alongside the community while supporting the unique environment that makes the Olympic Peninsula so special.

Originally from Minnesota, Holly was drawn to the Olympic Peninsula through years of recreational visits filled with backpacking, kayaking, and biking adventures. Since relocating to the area, she has found continual inspiration, education, and wonder in the region's landscapes, further strengthening her commitment to supporting both the community and the health of the environment for generations to come.

For Holly, the natural world has always been a place for reflection, renewal, and connection. She is passionate about helping others discover and access the benefits of nature, particularly those who may feel disconnected from the outdoors or unaware of the resources available to them. Outside of work, Holly enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, hiking, music, and enthusiastically taking on more hobbies than she realistically has time for.

Help Us Build the Next Chapter of Railroad Bridge

Annual inspections found that the historic wooden Howe Truss has deteriorated to the point that replacement is needed to keep Railroad Bridge safe and accessible. After extensive evaluation, project partners selected a steel replica to preserve the bridge's historic appearance while providing a safe, durable structure for the future, with construction planned for summer 2027.

The $3.5 million project relies on community support, with a goal of raising $1 million through donations. Donations made online or at the River Center will help preserve a beloved landmark, protect the Dungeness River, and ensure future generations can enjoy Railroad Bridge Park.

Submit Your Park Photos

Calling all photographers! Do you take photos when visiting Railroad Bridge Park? If you've captured images of the river, bridge, walking trails, wildlife, etc., we'd love to see them!

We're planning to feature photos taken by visitors on our social media channels. To have yours considered, fill out the online photo submission form (Gmail account required) or email them to jensen@dungenessrivercenter.org. Photos are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Your Next River Center Visit

New Items at the Gift Shop!

Make a stop at our gift shop to discover a variety of items for all ages! Explore nature-inspired books for kids and adults, educational toys, hands-on crafts, and charming decor that brings a bit of the wild into your home.

What's new: New nature-themed shirt designs (kid and adult), puzzles, calendars, coasters, stuffed animals & more!


All proceeds benefit the River Center's education programs & operations.

Hurricane Coffee at the River


Normal Hours: Tues. thru Sat., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Current Specials: 

• House-made pumpkin spice syrup, get it in a latte or cold brew!
• Eggnog latte
• Homemade pumpkin pop tart

Stop By Our Wildlife Viewing Room

Come relax in our cozy Wildlife Viewing Room, a quiet space that looks out onto the Rain Garden. It's a great place to watch local birds and other wildlife at your own pace. We’ve got binoculars and bird guides ready for you, so all you need to bring is a little curiosity. You can bring in drinks/snacks!

We'd Love to Hear From You!


What would you like to see more of in our newsletter? Are there specific topics, seasonal tips, or conservation projects you’d like us to cover? Whether it’s local wildlife, volunteer opportunities, or upcoming events, your feedback helps us make this newsletter meaningful for our community.

Support the River Center

Donate: Your contributions play a crucial role in sustaining our mission of environmental education and conservation. Donations—big or small, one-time or recurring—make a meaningful impact that allows us to continue our vital work in the community. 

Note: A donation does not automatically create or renew a River Center membership.

All gifts are tax deductible. The River Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN 91-163294).

Become a Member: Support a cause that shares your values while getting access to members-only events, early registration, and event discounts.

Visit Us: Come out and explore our beautiful park with nature trails, river access, and wildlife watching. Discover the story of the Dungeness River Watershed through the Center’s educational exhibits and community classes.

The River Center is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays 12 - 5 p.m.

Railroad Bridge Park is open daily from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Questions? Call the River Center at 360-681-4076 or email info@dungenessrivercenter.org.

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