Have you ever been to Nature Mart? If you haven’t, you simply must come. It will surprise you. My daughter, who is now a

From the President...“Mart A Tradition”—Hansi Hals high school junior, and I have attended since its beginning. It’s become a tradition because it’s so much fun. We make a wreath and we buy

terrific gifts, and we drink tea and eat baked goods and visit the river. More importantly,

NOVEMBER 2015 Points of Interest

Holiday Nature Mart happens Sept. 20-21!

West trestle nears completion!

Time to prepare for Christmas Bird Counts!

River Current

Newsletter for the Dungeness River Audubon Center—interpreting the natural history of the Olympic Peninsula in partnership with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, and National Audubon Society.

(Continued on page 3)

Inside this issue

Here’s Nature Mart Mart a Tradition

1

More on Nature Mart

2

Trestle On Schedule

3

Classes and Events

4

BirdFest 2016 5

Christmas Bird Counts Coming

Thank You Tribe for Paint Job

6

Volunteers & Education News—5th Grade Program

Newest Member of RC Family—Savannah Jo

7

Membership Form

8

It’s Here… Nature Mart 2015!—Gretha Davis Fri. & Sat., Nov. 20 & 21 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Many people help make the River

Center’s Holiday Nature Mart one of its most popular fall holiday events, and crafters have been creating wonderful items for it all year for the two-day sale. Don’t miss it!

Nature Mart Raffle Custom Knit Sweater —$10 a ticket— Only 100 tickets will be sold! Custom-knit sweater will be finished in time for Christmas Choice of color & size from infant to kids’ size 8 Made with high quality Soft-Super-Wash Merino Wool

Drawing: 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 Winner need not be present. 2151 W. Hendrickson Road, Sequim

Ellie Jones models an “Owlet” sweater that’s up for raffle at Nature Mart. Look closely at the baby owls circling her shoulders. —Powell Jones photo

(Continued on page 2)

Board of Directors Officers to May 2016 Hansi Hals, President Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Dennis Dickson, Vice Pres. Ann Sargent, Secretary, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Carl Siver, Treasurer Other Board Members Shirley Anderson, Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society Nancy Bargar, Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society John Bridge Sue Chickman Clare Hatler Julie Jackson Les Jones Lyn Muench Annette Nesse, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Tuttie Peetz Ken Wiersema, Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society Affiliates Annette Hanson Poor, Emeritus Powell Jones, Exec. Director Center Hours November thru March: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. TU-FRI 12 - 4 p.m. SAT Closed Sundays & Mondays April thru October: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. TU-SAT 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. SUN Closed Mondays The Dungeness River Audubon Center is a charitable organization. Membership fees and donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. For tax purposes, our 501©3 Federal EIN is 91-1632949. River Current Editor Annette Hanson 360-670-6774 annette_hanson@msn.com

Page 2 River Current

rivercenter@olympus.net

2151 West Hendrickson Road P.O. Box 2450, Sequim, WA 98382

360-681-4076, 360-681-8060 Fax

Staff Powell Jones, Executive Director

Vanessa Fuller, Administrative Services & Development Coordinator

Tom Butler, Education & Volunteer Coordinator

Roger Magee, Visitor Services Specialist

Park Host Charlie Yozgott and his dog “Gracie”

Our Mission To inspire understanding, enjoyment,

and stewardship of the Olympic Peninsula’s unique natural and cultural

resources, with emphasis on birds, rivers, fish, and people.

Visit our website! www.dungenessrivercenter.org

Dungeness River Audubon Center

“Nature Mart shoppers will find a spectacular array of items, many made from natural and/or repurposed materials again this year,” says Shirley Anderson, one of the creators of handcrafted gifts. The one-of-a-kind gifts and ornaments with nature themes range from cornhusk dolls and decorative items, scarves and purses made from antique silk, to pet toys and treats. Each purchase helps support the Center’s education programs. The River Center gift shop is also stocked with many appealing gift items including patches and pins commemorating the 100th anniversary of the historic

Railroad Bridge. Those who purchase $50 or more in items during Nature Mart, if interested, will receive a coupon for a free wine tasting of RR Bridge Red at Wind Rose Cellars.

The Nature Mart bake sale will feature delectable sweets and savories including homemade pies, cakes, cookies, breads, scones and other treats. Visitors can enjoy a free cup of hot cider while they’re shopping.

In the courtyard, shoppers will have the opportunity to buy a variety of wreaths and table arrangements or make their own wreath for a modest fee. All materials are provided and visitors can create lovely, long-lasting wreaths under the guidance of experts. Orders may also be placed for fresh-flower arrangements for the holiday season.

Even some of the River Center’s “animals,” including the big brown bear, take part in Nature Mart. Bring your camera or phone, and the ‘animal keepers’ will gladly take festive photos of you with the animals and other props, on request. Although the photo service is free, donations are always welcome. See you there!

Holiday Nature Mart—Julie Jackson A closer look at

Ellie in “Owlet.”

—Sue Chickman photo

Page 3 NOVEMBER 2015

we take in all of the smiles and good will. It is a charming event that is also an important annual fundraiser. I hope you will make it this

year. There are lots of other activities at the River Center as well, so peruse the newsletter and visit our website, and make time for a River Center visit soon.

— Hansi

“It is a charming event that is

also an important fundraiser.” —Hansi Hals

From the President continued from page 1—Hansi Hals

Dungeness River Trestle Replacement On Schedule —Hansi Hals and Randy Johnson

The trestle replacement project continues to make progress. The steel pile and concrete footings are all buried underground with just the svelte concrete column and column cap protruding. Preliminary work to prepare the caps for the seismic bearings and new bridge spans is completed.

Crews assembled the bridge spans in the construction yard, and now two cranes are lifting them into place. In fact, by the time this newsletter is printed, they should be in place.

The project so far is on schedule to be completed by the end of December.

Cranes lift the first few spans into place. Stay tuned for a bridge opening celebration upon trestle completion.

—Powell Jones photo

“Winter Care & Feeding” Saturday, Dec. 5, featuring Christie Lassen 10:00 a.m. - 12:00, Cost is $5 per session and free under 18. The 3rd class in this year's Backyard Birding Series presented by the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society (OPAS), Lassen’s presentation will cover general bird feeding, including types of feeders and different feeds for attracting specific birds with an emphasis on our over-wintering species. She will include specific ideas for providing continuing winter water supplies and meeting the needs of the Anna’s Hummingbird which has started staying here throughout the year. She will address specific questions from participants. Backyard Birding classes can be taken individually or as a full series. After the completion of five sessions, participants are offered free membership in the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society for one year. Join the next classes on: Jan. 9, “What Bird Was That?!?” Feb. 6 “Nesting“ March 5 “Migration“; April 9 “Spring Landscaping for Birds“ May 14 “Spring Sounds“ June 11 “Out of the Nest“ “Birding By Ear” featuring Dave Jackson Dates: Eight Thursday mornings—first class on Mar 10; subsequent classes on Mar. 24; Apr. 7 & 21; May 5 & 19; June 2 & 16. Limit 16 people. Times: All sessions 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Costs: $60.00 for RC partners; $80.00 for non-partners. “Introduction to Birds and Birding” featuring Dave Jackson Dates: Six Tuesday evenings -- first class on March 29; subsequent classes on Apr 5, 12, 19, and 26; May 3. Times: All sessions from 7 to 9 p.m. Limit: 16 people. Costs: $50.00 for RC partners; $70.00 for non-partners. Pre-registration: Please register with the River Center at 360-681-4076 or e-mail rceducation@olympus.net.

Weekly Wednesday Morning Bird Walks Every Wednesday at 8:30 a.m., free. Meet at the River Center and join us for a 2-hour bird walk to see and hear birds of Railroad Bridge Park. Dungeness Adventure Club Every Thursday, 10 a.m.-Noon, Cost $5 suggested donation. The Dungeness Adventure Club is for children under 6 and their caregivers. Stop by the Park and find new ways to get your child involved in nature. Don't forget an extra set of clothing and a snack. RR Bridge Park Work Parties Dates and Time: 2nd and 4th Saturdays, 9-12 a.m. CLASSES OPAS Field Trip—“Christmas Bird Count Tune-Up” featuring Bob Boekelheide Saturday, Dec. 5, 8:30 a.m., Free Meeting places: 8:30 a.m. at Railroad Bridge Park and 11 a.m. at Dungeness Landing County Park. Get prepared for the annual Christmas Bird Counts and go birding with the expert! (Monday in Sequim, Dec. 14; Saturday in Port Angeles, Jan. 2) Bring optics, field guide, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Further Information: Bob Boekelheide 360-681-4867 or email to: rivercenter@olympus.net.

Calendar of Events...www.dungenessrivercenter.org

For Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society Events and Field

Trips, go to http://

olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org/events/field-

trips/.

Page 4 River Current

‘Holiday Nature Mart’

Fri. & Sat. , Nov. 20 & 21 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.

Start your holiday shopping at the River Center!

Expert birder Bob Boekelheide will prep bird counters Dec. 5. —Submitted photo

Song Sparrow and Northern Flicker.

You can find the perfect gift

for the hard-to-buy-for person at the River Center’s

gift shop.

SEPTEMBER 2015

Page 5

BirdFest—Bob Hutchison Grab your binoculars and join the 12th annual Olympic BirdFest 2016 celebration at the Dungeness River Audubon Center,—April 15-17. The stage is set…quiet bays and estuaries, sandy beaches, a five-mile-long sand spit, and a protected island bird sanctuary on the Strait of Juan de Fuca; wetlands, tide pools, rainforests, and lush

river valleys. The players are ready … Marbled Murrelets, Rhinoceros Auklets, Harlequin Ducks, Black Oystercatchers, Peregrine Falcons, Barred and Pygmy Owls will be sporting their finest spring plumage for this celebration. Enjoy guided birding trips, boat tour, and a gala banquet. Our featured speaker this year is noted artist Tony Angell, “Revealing the Secret Lives of Owls.”

Other offerings during the weekend include a bird drawing class and two nature photography classes, two totem tours with the master carver, and two trips at the ever popular Dry Creek Waterfowl Breeding Sanctuary. Also, organizers have scheduled a free, Live Raptor presentation on Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. at Sequim Middle School. BirdFest will again hold Bird Quest during Sequim’s First Friday art walk.

Come bird with us and experience with others the spectacular landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula …you just might go home with a new bird for your life list! Check out the offerings by going online (www.olympicbirdfest.org).

Precede your BirdFest weekend with a three-day, two night birding cruise of the spectacular San Juan Islands on April 12-14, 2016. Visit San Juan and Sucia Islands, and more. Stay at the historic Roche Harbor Resort. Get cruise information and register online at: www.pugetsoundexpress.com/audubon.

Extend your BirdFest weekend with the Neah Bay post-trip, April 17-19, 2016: two and one-half days exploring northwest coastal Washington, a region rarely seen by birders.

Contact us by phone at 360-681-4076; E-mail us at info@olympicbirdfest.org; or write to us at: Dungeness River Audubon Center, P.O. Box 2450, Sequim, WA 98382.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. Go to www.olympicbirdfest.org.

NOVEMBER 2015

The 15th Annual Dungeness River Festival—Julie Jackson

Page 6 River Current

Christmas Bird Counts Are Coming! —Bob Boekelheide

The annual Sequim-Dungeness Christmas Bird Count (SDCBC) takes place this year on Monday, Dec.14, and the Port Angeles Christmas Bird Count (PACBC) occurs on Saturday, Jan 2, 2016.

Christmas counts cover a 15-mile diameter circle. The center of the SDCBC circle is near the intersection of Brown and Port Williams Roads, so the circle ranges from Dungeness Spit on the north to the Olympic foothills south of Sequim, and from Diamond Point to MacDonald Creek. The center of the PACBC is in the Olympic foothills south of Port Angeles, so the PACBC includes Port Angeles Harbor, sections of the Elwha River on the west to Morse Creek on the east, and all the way up to Hurricane Ridge.

Please join us for the counts. If you live within a count circle, you can count your yards, bird feeders, and around your neighborhoods. We also have special groups that cover regions of each count circle all day long, trying to see and hear all the birds they can. Technically, CBCs take place from midnight to midnight on the appointed day, so please report all the owls and other night birds you hear during dark hours as well.

To learn the ropes, join us for the pre-CBC warm-up field trip on Sat., Dec 5, starting at 8:30 a.m. at Railroad Bridge Park, then continuing at 11:30 a.m. at Dungeness Landing Park. To reinforce your birding skills, please join bird walks at the River Center on Wednesday mornings and participate in OPAS field trips, in addition to going birding on your own as much as possible this fall.

Last year, the SDCBC tallied 140 species, tying for the highest number of species recorded in WA State. The PACBC tallied 123 species, a record for that count. With your help, we hope this year turns out to be equally productive. You can check results for past CBCs and read more info by going to the National Audubon website: http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count.

Winter in the Park archive photo taken January 2007. —Annette Hanson photo

—Sue Chickman photo

“Thank You” Tribal Chairman

Ron Allen, Council, and

Dave Hartman and work crew

for the new coat of paint

and clean roof on the Center and Storage

Shed. We appreciate your

support!

Page 7 NOVEMBER 2015

Volunteers & Education News “Engaging, Enhancing, and Enlightening”—Tom Butler

The 5th grade water-monitoring program that begins this week provides one of the cornerstones of educational programming at the Dungeness River Audubon Center. Thanks to the donations you make to help support our mission, we can offer this opportunity to students!

These field trips provide a wonderful experience for students to develop their familiarity with science processes in a novel setting and to personally make sense of local environmental phenomena. Using the driving question: “Is the Dungeness River healthy for Pacific Salmon and Trout?”— we provide instruction and exploration opportunities both before and during the trip for students to construct an evidence-based explanation to answer this essential question.

We offer 31 field trip dates on a first-come first-serve basis. Sometime during the week prior to the field trip, I go into the classroom for about 45 minutes to prepare students for their experience. Students leave the river and park “enlightened!”

Newest Member of River Center Family

Baby Savannah Jo Fuller and proud mom Vanessa prepare to leave the hospital. —Silas Fuller photo

Vanessa Fuller, our Admin. Services and Development Coordinator, and husband Silas welcomed their baby Savannah Jo on Monday, Nov. 9 in the wee hours of the morning. Mom and daughter are doing great. Hopefully, they may make an appearance at the Holiday Nature Mart!

Principal Donna Hudson of Greywolf Elementary and some her students give a “thumbs up” to the 2015 River Festival in September. Thank you Sequim School District for being one of our partners in helping our community’s students learn about the amazing area we live in!

“Thank you” to all the City, County, State, and Federal Agencies; and the Center,

School, and Parent volunteers who made the 2015 River Festival a great success.

Fifth grade students have fun classifying aquatic insects.

—Sue Chickman photo

—Powell Jones photo

River Current P.O. Box 2450 Sequim, WA 98382

MEMBERSHIP FORM: Dungeness River Audubon Center and Railroad Bridge Park

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Please circle your membership dues category below. Is this is a new membership ____or a renewal____?

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$250 Supporting $500 Patron $1000 Benefactor Other $______________

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Acct# _____________________________________Exp. Date _________ 3 Digit Security Code ___________ Our quarterly newsletter, the River Current, is delivered via email (as a pdf) whenever possible. To receive a hard copy by mail, please check this box. I would like information about volunteer opportunities for the Center and Railroad Bridge Park.

Please send your completed form with payment to: Dungeness River Audubon Center, P.O. Box 2450, Sequim, WA 98382

THANK YOU!! Your contributions to the Dungeness River Audubon Center are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Rev. 04-14-2014

Nature Mart committee members Vanessa Fuller, Shirley Anderson, Tuttie Peetz, Dorothy Shreffler, and Julie Jackson gather holiday crafts for sale at Nature Mart, Nov. 20-21. (2014 photo)

Annual River Center memberships expire each year on May 1.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Olympic Mailing

Services —Sue Chickman photo