FALL 2016 Points of Interest

New Education &

Volunteer Coordinator’s on

the job!

River Festival Sept.

23-24!

Docent Don Myers retires!

Nature Mart

celebrating 10th!

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.

Inside this issue

River Festival Welcome Jenna

Ziogas 1

Center Board, Hours of Operation, Information

2

Don Myers retires

From the President

3

Classes and Events 4

Classes and Events 5

Legacy Fund Grows Clinic ‘Fun Walk’ 6

John Bridge retires

Jenna...continued In the Classroom

7

Docent Grace Bylaw Changes Don Myers...cont.

8

AmazonSmile Broom Busters From the

President..cont. Bylaw Changes

...cont.

9

Membership 10

Hello friends of the Dungeness River Audubon Center! My name is Genevieve Ziogas, but everyone calls me Jenna. I grew up in Bristol, CT with a strong love for exploring nature and a constant curiosity of the world around me. I graduated from the Univ. of Connecticut with a B.S. in Natural Resources with a concentration in Environ. Conservation, and a minor in Anthropology. I became fascinated with looking deeper into how human beings interact with their

Welcome To The

Family—Jenna! Her own story...

environment and the connections that different cultures have. This led me into the environmental education field, which I have been working in for the past several years —bringing youth closer to nature. I moved to Oregon soon after graduating to work as an Outdoor Science Instructor for OMSI, and

took a trip up to the Olympic Peninsula to train with NatureBridge soon after relocating to the Pacific Northwest. I

Jenna on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, 2016.

—Submitted photo

Jenna—our

new Education

& Volunteer

C o o r d i n a t o r

Dungeness River

Festival Sept. 23 & 24

Students crowd around a demonstration

table of the Elwha River dam removal

project at the 2015 River Festival. See more

information about the Festival on page 4.

—Gretha Davis photo

(Continued on page 7)

—Sue Chickman September 2016 photo

Board of

Directors

Officers to May 2017 Julie Jackson, President

Clare Hatler, 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

Sue Chickman

Dennis Dickson

Hansi Hals,

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

Annette Hanson

Les Jones

Annette Nesse,

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe

Tuttie Peetz

Wanda Schneider

Greg Voyles

Ken Wiersema, Olympic

Peninsula Audubon Society

Affiliates

Powell Jones, Exec. Director

Center Hours April thru October:

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. TU-SAT

12 p.m. - 4 p.m. SUN

Closed Mondays

November thru March:

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. TU-FRI

12 - 4 p.m. SAT

Closed Sundays & 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

Jenna Ziogas, 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

Ten years ago a small group of dedicated individuals at the River Center started a craft sale to raise much-needed funds for the Center’s education programs. This November, celebrating it’s 10th anniversary, Nature Mart has grown to a two-day, very popular, highly respected, and much anticipated event. Last year, thanks to our crafters who generously donated their time, talents, and almost all the supplies; we raised a record of nearly $10,000. Over the years, the number and type of items has grown as our crafters continue to develop new ideas and concepts. For example, we have added several outside activities – like make your own fresh wreath, or purchase a wreath or fresh holiday arrangement already made for you. Order a fresh flower holiday centerpiece to be picked up at a later date. Have your picture taken with one of the River Center’s special animals for use to create your own unique holiday card, or as a gift for family, or just for fun! Choose one of our handmade suet feeders for your feathered friends, or home made treats for you dog. And don’t miss our delicious bake sale with very special items, such as freshly made pies, breads, cookies, fudge, Grand Marnier brownies (hard to resist!) to mention only a few. NEW THIS YEAR, you can purchase an item from our bake sale and have it delivered locally by our Director, Powell Jones. Great as a “thank you” to your doctor, insurance agent, a teacher at school, etc. These great items are just the beginning – before you even get inside. Also special this year, we will have several

Nature Mart Celebrates 10th Year

Nov. 18-19—Tuttie Peetz & Shirley Anderson, Co-Chairs

Nature Mart crafters completely fill the Center

with items for sale to support our mission. —Sue Chickman photo

(Continued on page 3)

—Sue Chickman photo

Page 3 FALL 2016

of the boards from the railroad bridge, saved when the bridge was recently paved with concrete. These are truly a “collector’s item.” Each year Nature Mart offers a special item for raffle. This year is no exception. Tom Butler, one of our very talented members will donate a custom made table, hand crafted from boards saved from the Dungeness River Bridge. This promises to be a very special and lovely item. Inside we will offer many, many exciting items, including clothing, knitted items, ornaments,

Nature Mart celebrates 10th ...continued from page 2

decorative items, woodworking, plants, etc. This year our focus will be to offer more UNIQUE, HIGH QUALITY, HAND CRAFTED ITEMS, which will enable us to use a higher price point in order to continue to raise funds to ensure the success of our fine educational programs. Our Nature Mart Committee and our crafters are already working hard to develop new ideas and concepts. If you would like to help with this exciting and fun event as a crafter, a wood-worker to make bird feeders from wine bottles with the Railroad

From the President…

‘Summer in the Park’

—Julie Jackson

Our local residents and out-of-town visitors flock to Railroad Bridge Park this time of year. In July alone 1,200 visitors signed the Center’s guest register, and who knows how many others enjoyed the Park without coming into the Center. When you add in the bird walks, classes, meetings, summer camps, and events and activities that routinely take place in the Park and Center, it’s no wonder that our facilities are bursting at the seams. Plans to enlarge the Center are moving forward, as you’ll see in the next River Current.

We’re delighted to welcome a new staff member, Volunteer and Education Coordinator Genevieve “Jenna” Ziogas. You’ll find Jenna’s bio on pages 1 & 7, and I hope that you’ll soon have a chance to meet her. Working at both a summer camp and the Dine on the Dungeness fundraiser during her first week thrust her into the thick of the “River Center Family.”

Finding ways to fund Center and Park operations

and manage their growth effectively are top priorities

of your River Center Board. One of our current

Bridge Red bottles and labels, with an idea, or as a volunteer, please contact either of our co-chairs, Shirley Anderson (sanderson22@olypen.com) or Tuttie Peetz (trpeetz@tfon.com). If you have expertise in a specific area, and would like to research ideas for new products for us to tackle, we would welcome your help. The dates for this year’s Nature Mart are Nov. 18 - 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days. Be sure to put it on your calendar to attend! We look forward to seeing you there.

“Thank you so much for all the work

you do for the River Center and

helping out with Nature Mart!”

—The Nature Mart Committee

One of the best-known members of the River Center ‘family’ of greeter/volunteer naturalists is Don Myers. His active ‘career’ as a River Center volunteer naturalist/docent spanned 2001-2016.

At 92 when ’retiring,’ he still encouraged members and/or visitors to volunteer at the River Center, especially newcomers. When asked, he stated his “Highlights” of volunteering at the Center include:

(Continued on page 9)

(Continued on page 8)

Volunteer Don Myers poses with Brown Bear,

wearing his big red bow, and friend at Nature

Mart in 2015. —Don Wallace photo

Don Myers ‘retires’—

leaving a legacy to all

who know him

—Powell Jones, Annette Hanson, & Don

DUNGENESS RIVER FESTIVAL

Sept. 23 & 24

The annual River Festival highlights the work we do for the Center and the community to inspire understanding, enjoyment, and stewardship of the Olympic Peninsula's unique natural and cultural resources. The festival showcases these "resources" with organizations and agencies sharing their work in an informative and fun way in the beautiful setting of Railroad Bridge Park. It also gives you the opportunity to learn even more about the area you love. If you have questions about the festival, contact the River Center at 360-681-4076 or rceducation@olympus.net. Where: Railroad Bridge Park Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cost: FREE! *A free exhibit of beautiful artwork created by members of the Olympic Driftwood Club will also be held in the River Center during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cruise the San Juan’s Sept. 26-28 Package price: $850 pp dbl occ/$925 per single person Includes three days aboard Glacier Spirit, lunches aboard the vessel, and two nights’ accommodation at Earthbox Inn and Spa in Friday Harbor. Join Puget Sound Express and the River Center for an exciting 3- day cruise through the San Juan Islands in Washington State, while benefitting the Dungeness River Audubon Center! Selected by National Geographic as one of the World’s Top 3 destinations, the waters around the San Juan Islands are home to orcas (killer whales), minke whales, gray whales, humpback whales, stellar sea lions, porpoise, otters, and a dizzying array of seabirds. The Center will receive a portion of the proceeds if you include the RIVERCENTER code when you register! To sign up, go to PugetSoundExpress.com and click RESERVE ONLINE or call (360) 385-5288. Enter code “RIVERCENTER” as you order and PSE will give a portion of the proceeds to the River Center!

Natural Landscaping

Sept. 27—Oct. 15

Where: Dungeness River Audubon Center Time: Varies Cost: $25 per person or $30 for a couple Learn how to evaluate the unique site conditions of your property, prepare a landscape plan suited to those conditions, and develop a strategy for

RR Bridge

Park

Work Parties Call the Center Office for dates and times, 681-4076.

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.

Sept. 23-24—Dungeness River Festival

Sept. 24-25—Olympic Driftwood Club Show

Sept. 26-28—San Juan Island Cruise

Sept. 27-Oct. 15—“Natural Landscaping”

Oct. 8—Fall “Landscaping for Birds”

Oct. 19—OPAS Program “Native Birds & Active Volcanos”

Nov. 12—“Being a Birder”

Calendar of Events...www.dungenessrivercenter.org

For

Olympic Peninsula

Audubon Society

Events and Field

Trips,

go to

www.olympicpeni

nsulaaudubon.org/

events/field-trips/.

Page 4 River Current

Have you noticed that

most of the Canada

geese have left?

—Clip art photo

Previous San Juan cruise.

(Continued on page 5)

Thank you volunteer

and Board member

Tuttie Peetz for all the

flower arrangements

you made for recent

River Center events.

—Sue Chickman photo

Snap-

Shot of

Events &

Classes

SEPTEMBER 2015

Page 5

implementing the plan. Based on Permaculture principles and focusing on a naturalistic landscape style. Call Clallam Conservation District to register. 360-775-3747, Ext. 5, joe.holtrop@clallamcd.org or www.clallamSeptcd.org

Backyard Birding Classes 2016-2017, All 10 a.m.—Noon

Oct. 8, “Fall Landscaping for Birds,” by Joe Holtrop

Nov. 12, “Being a Birder,” by Denny Van Horn

Dec. 10, “Winter Care & Feeding in the Garden,” by Christie Lassen

Jan. 14, “Inside Story,” by Shirley Anderson & Ken Wiersema

Feb. 11, “Nesting,” by Ken Wiersema

March 11, “Spring Gardening for Birds,” by Joe Holtrop

April 15, “Migration,” by Ken Leuthold

May 13, “Sounds of Spring,” by Dow Lambert & Ken Wiersema

June 10, “Out of the Nest,” by Ken Wiersema

July 8, “Gulls & Shorebirds,“ by Bob Boekelheide The series of classes, hosted by members of the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, is intended for residents of this area who are interested in knowing more about birds seen locally each season of the year and learning how to develop good habitats for wild birds. “Backyard Birding” can be taken either as individual classes or in a series. The cost of each session is $5 and is free for anyone under 18.

FALL 2016

Calendar of Events continued...www.dungenessrivercenter.org

Denny Van Horn will provide information about getting started on a 'Birding Year.' A variety choices of both binoculars and field guides will be available, and use of websites describing species in the area and ways to keep records are included. Call 681-4076 to register for the series!

After the completion of five sessions, participants will be offered free

membership in OPAS for one year.

Fall Landscaping for Birds

Oct. 8, Saturday Where: Dungeness River Audubon Center Time: 10 a.m. until noon The first in the series of 10 classes in “Backyard Birding” is at the Center in Railroad Bridge Park. Joe Holtrop, Executive Director of the Clallam Conservation District, will present important aspects of a bird friendly yard, including food, water, and shelter, with emphasis on the use of plants native to this area. There will be an optional field trip (a two-mile hike at the Dungeness Recreation Area) to see native plants and where they are growing, following the class.

Being a Birder Nov. 12, Saturday Where: Dungeness River Audubon Center Time: 10 a.m. until noon Second in the series of classes, Denny Van Horn is the featured speaker. So you're a birdwatcher! That's wonderful, but how about becoming a ‘birder’ instead. Birdwatchers watch birds, but a Birder knows birds! This class will introduce you to the overall basics of birding. We'll start with who birds are: e.g., what makes an American robin. You'll learn how to look at a bird, how to see a bird, how to describe a bird, and how to take notes on a bird—and then use these tools. We'll take a look at optics from the cheap to the mega-expensive and what you need to know to make these instruments work for you. We'll explore how to take field notes and draw stick-birds for ID purposes. You'll be exposed to 'basic' trials and tribulations you'll encounter as you begin your pathway to becoming a Birder, and how to both overcome and use them to your advantage.

Native Birds and Active Volcanoes: Birding on the Big Island of Hawaii Oct. 19, Wednesday Where: Dungeness River Audubon Center Time: 7 p.m.

Christina Heliker, retired USGS Volcanologist, will present the Audubon chapter program in October. In her 28 years as a geologist documenting Kilauea’s eruptions,

Christina had a front-row seat watching the birds of native Hawaiian forests. Come hear Christina’s talk and become more familiar with these species found nowhere else on Earth. If we’re lucky, Christina might share some good volcano stories as well. Call 360-681-4076 for more information. http://http://olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org/event/native-birds-active-volcanoes-birding-big-island-hawaii/

Christina Heliker

—Submitted photo

the generosity of the Center and Park’s members, partners, and friends who’ve expressed their intentions or commitment to donate a portion of their estate to the River Center. To date, 20 individuals and families have joined the Legacy Circle. The members gather at least once a year to share their thoughts and visions about the River Center’s future. If you want to help make a lasting difference in the lives of people of all ages -- and in your community -- we invite you to consider joining the Legacy Circle. For additional information, contact Executive Director Powell Jones at 360-681-4076 or River Center President Julie Jackson at 360-683-1355.

Page 6 River Current

“The fund helps

the Center

remain true to its

vision of inspiring

understanding

and stewardship

for the Olympic

Peninsula’s

unique natural

and cultural

resources for

generations to

come.”

—Sue Chickman

The River Center’s

Legacy Grows

—Sue Chickman

At its May, 2016 meeting, the River Center Board approved changing the name of the Center’s endowment fund to the ‘Legacy Fund.’ The Investment Policy itself has not been changed, so it’s really just a change in what the fund is called. The fund helps the Center remain true to its vision of inspiring understanding and stewardship for the Olympic Peninsula’s unique natural and cultural resources for generations to come. We are—and will always be—grateful for the $1M anonymous donation made to create this fund in 2008. Each year since then, generous donors have given memorials, honoraria, vehicle sale proceeds, and other donations directed to the fund so that it could grow. We’re pleased to report that, from January-June, the Legacy Fund received 36 donations -- a record number -- totaling $8,400. During the Legacy Fund’s existence, the Board approved four annual fund distributions totaling $247,750. Even so, thanks to wise management, the Legacy Fund’s balance, as of June 30, was $1,505,938, which includes $26,657 that is restricted for the ‘Building Fund.’ To complement the Legacy Fund, the Center formed a ‘Legacy Circle’ in 2013. Membership in the circle honors

Legacy Circle members Lyn Muench and Shirley Anderson share a moment at the Center. You can also speak to them about the Legacy Fund and its importance to our Center’s future. —Sue Chickman photo

On Sept. 10, co-captains Kendra Donelson and Gretha Davis led the Dungeness River Audubon Center’s team in the Fun Walk for the Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic. Thank you Team for representing the Center in this worthy community event and raising $480 for the clinic.

Clinic Fun Walk

The Center’s ‘Fun Walk’ Team included Kendra

Donelson, (left) and walkers (above) Gretha Davis,

Dave and Ann Perkins, Pam Bedford, Pam Edens,

Lyn Muench, Julie Jackson, Ted Bedford, and Mary

Corey in the background. —Bystander photo

SEPTEMBER 2015

Page 7 FALL 2016

on the role of Volunteer and Education Coordinator, and extremely grateful to become part of the team and get to work—connecting more people to this incredible and abundant place. I am very excited to meet all of you and get to know your stories as well! Thank you and see you soon! —Jenna Ziogas

River Center In

the Classroom

—Lyn Muench

Every year, volunteers from the River Center teach about birds, mammals, and the environment to Kindergarten through 4th grades at Sequim elementary schools Helen Haller and Greywolf. It is a great deal of fun! The students are eager, receptive, and inquisitive. The teachers are happy to have us. The volunteer usually picks one grade level, and most of us work in teams of two. We conduct a one-hour lesson to each of the four classes in the grade level at each school. Some grade levels get a second or third lesson the following month. We already have curriculum developed, but are always open to new ideas. Most classes are held in early spring, but we are looking for two volunteers to work with our 3rd grade team in

October. Overall, it

is not a big commitment for a very big reward. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Lyn Muench at 452-6100 or

lynmuench@olypen.com.

immediately fell in love with the magical fairytale beauty of the Peninsula and knew this was where I wanted to be. A year later, I accepted a job with NatureBridge and was lucky enough to share my love and passion for this place with hundreds of students. For the past three years, I worked there in the spring and fall seasons, and traveled to Tanzania this past summer working for Rustic Pathways, which is a teen travel and service organization. I led three different groups of high school students from all over the world in a chimpanzee habitat restoration project outside of Gombe National Park. We even had the great privilege of meeting and speaking with Dr. Jane Goodall a few times! I am looking forward to taking

I came on the River Center Board right after Roger Magee left to teach in Africa (in the early 2000’s) because they wanted a teacher, and left the Board last May. 12 years? 14? I joined the Board because I was impressed with the other board members, and I liked the work they did with students and community. I became more active on the Board when I retired (from teaching), serving as president for awhile. River Festivals are highlights—amazing staff, volunteering with Chas (his brother) to work on the walkways and the picnic shelter, and hanging out with my mom as she worked as a docent on the bridge greeting all the dogs. I was born and raised in Maryland, moved here in 1972 with my wife Rose, and have two children, Jessamy and Jake. I worked at the Battelle Marine Lab for 10 years and then taught 4th grade at Haller Elementary for 20 years. I’ve been retired now for 10 years and served on the Sequim School Board for 6 years. I currently am on the boards of the Sequim Education Foundation and Olympic Park Associates. I hike as much as I can in the mountains, actively play table tennis, and like to bicycle and paddle. Education and wilderness are my two biggest interests. I think of myself as a naturalist. I take a lot of photos of wildflowers. I am currently taking a year off from the Board and River Center. While I plan to volunteer at the River Festival and for any other events the staff asks of me, I'm really trying to determine where I can best help out. I am hopeful that Powell and Jenna will give me some guidance.

Retired Board member John Bridge

hiking on the Mt. Angeles traverse. —Submitted photo

Jenna Ziogas…

continued from page 1

John Bridge Retires

In his own words...

River Center

Members Approve

Bylaw Changes The River Center members who

attended the special membership meeting on Monday, Sept. 12, reviewed the proposed bylaw changes and unanimously approved them. There was one bylaw change to update the descriptions of the duties of Board officers to conform with those in the Board handbook. The remaining bylaw changes were regarding membership policies and procedures:

1. The Board, henceforth, can revise membership policies recommended by the Membership Committee without calling a special meeting of the membership.

2. The annual membership meeting will be moved from May to June.

Page 8 River Current

“River Center

Docents are a

talented

resource! We are

always in search

of new

docents...Grace...

is proud of her

service and

enjoys sharing

the feathers, furs,

and butterflies

with young

visitors.”

—Roger Magee,

Visitor Services

Specialist

one of our Younger

docents...Grace

—Roger Magee

River Center Docents are a talented resource! We are always in search of new docents with talent. One docent who stands out is Grace, who just started her Freshman year at Sequim High School. Yes, she’s just a “kid.” A talented kid with a new hair color now and then. Grace has two brothers, but the family is usually larger when infants and young foster children join the family. Grace describes her role as a right hand for your mother; changing diapers helps her stay out of trouble. She makes a good Mac and Cheese among other things as needed. Although it was her mom’s idea to become a docent, she is proud of her service and enjoys sharing the feathers, furs, and butterflies with young visitors. Grace enjoys death metal and punk rock music, but is not a dancer. She’s a science fiction and fiction reader, and writes poetry. She’s published her poetry under a pseudonym on a poetry site, with one of her poems reaching over 2,000 views. She’s getting involved in extra-curricular activities including the Flag Team and Sign Language. English is a curricular strength. Science passion is more focused on physics and chemistry, and in 10 years she says she’ll be on the east coast working on her PhD in aerospace engineering. She may be our contemporary, but she’s not scary.

Education and Volunteer Coordinator Jenna Ziogas (L) and volunteer Grace Bennett being stalked by a bear. —Staff photo

The visitors obvious pleasure when seeing their favorite bird and recounting the happenings associated with that bird;

Children are special visitors because of their enthusiastic desire to learn or tell others about what they know;

The pleasant professionalism of the staff. Every question asked of them received a quick and honest answer;

Reference materials available, including computers to provide definitive answers to inquiries;

But best of all was helping people learn more about birds so that they could appreciate them more. “We can’t thank Don Myers enough... and all our volunteers for their commitment to helping achieve our Dungeness River Audubon Center’s mission,” says Director Powell Jones. If you are interested in exploring River Center volunteer opportunities, please contact the Center at 681-4076.

Don Myers’ Retires—Leaving Legacy ...continued

“...But best of all

was helping

people learn more

about birds so

that they could

appreciate them

more!”

—Don Myers

(Continued on page 9)

SEPTEMBER 2015

Page 9 FALL 2016

Why AmazonSmile

makes us smile

—Sue Chickman and Lyn Muench

If you’re like us, you probably buy books and things from Amazon.com from time to time. Then we discovered that these purchases could benefit the River Center, because through the AmazonSmile Foundation, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the Dungeness River Audubon Center (or your charity of choice). Although ½ of 1 percent sounds like a small amount, even small gifts help provide toilet paper for the public restrooms, and seed for the birds everyone loves to watch, photograph, and enjoy in the Park. The next time you’re shopping at Amazon, please do as we do and support the Dungeness River Audubon Center by making your purchases at smile.amazon.com – or just google Amazon Smile. Signing up is easy: The first time you make a purchase you’ll be asked to designate your charity(ies) of choice. From then on, it is just like buying from amazon.com – except that you’ll be helping the Center and Park, and that will make you smile, too.

Members Approve Bylaw

Changes...continued from page 8

initiatives is to identify and implement one or

two fundraising or cost-saving activities each

month. Raising an additional $20,000 for

operations this year would reduce the

amount the Center needs to withdraw from

its Legacy Fund. In October, as part of the

annual planning retreat, Board members will

use a cost/benefit analysis of River Center

programs to help formulate plans for 2017.

They will also begin to develop a five-year

plan for Railroad Bridge Park.

Come savor the beauty and tranquility of

our precious park whenever you can and also

join us at the Dungeness River Festival

(Sept. 23-24) and Nature Mart (Nov. 18-19).

—Julie Jackson, President

Summer in the

Park...continued from page 3

Kudos to Gretha Davis and

the Broom Busters

—Julie Jackson

Even though Gretha Davis and the River Center Rally

Broom Busters team raised over $2,500 for the River

Center in April pulling Scotch Broom along the Olympic

Discovery Trail, she didn’t rest on her Scotch Broom

laurels. She entered Clallam County’s “Show us your

weed” Scotch Broom photo contest. Her photo of

Broom Busters Chuck Preble and Dan Rugh at work

won first place, and Gretha won dinner for two at

Wildfire Grill in Port Angeles. As described in the

Peninsula Daily News, Gretha’s photo “features two

citizen activists removing towering 10-foot tall blooming

Scotch Brooms from a hillside wilderness area among

endangered beneficial native plants that favor wildlife

habitat.” May Gretha and the Broom Busters keep up the

good work!

Broom Busters Chuck Preble and Dan Rugh clear Scotch Broom. —Gretha Davis photo

3. New membership policies, effective in 2017, will include offering ‘rolling’ memberships that expire one-year from their effective date, as opposed to the current practice of all memberships expiring on May 1.

4. Memberships will be offered to non-members who have donated at least $35. Individual, Household, and other membership categories have been consolidated into just one membership category at each address, at an annual rate of a $35 donation.

The Board at its September meeting, which immediately followed the membership meeting, adopted a new, lifetime membership category with a $500 donation.

If you have any questions about any of the bylaw changes or new membership policies, please contact Julie Jackson, Board President and Membership Committee Chair, at juliejackson@wavecable.com or (360) 683-1355.

River Current P.O. Box 2450

Sequim, WA 98382

MEMBERSHIP FORM: Dungeness River Audubon Center and Railroad Bridge Park

Name____________________________________________________________________Date_____________________

Mailing Address______________________________________________ City ___________________________________ State______ Zip___________ Phone_____________________________ Cell ___________________________________ Email address _______________________________________________ Signature _______________________________

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

$25 Individual $35 Family/Dual $50 Friend $100 Sustaining

$250 Supporting/Business $500 Patron/Corporate $1000 Benefactor Other $______________

Here’s my additional gift to support the Center and Park $ _________ and/or the Endowment $__________

My check for $____________ made out to Dungeness River Audubon Center (or DRAC) is enclosed.

I prefer to charge my membership/donation to: MasterCard VISA Amount $___________________

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

Annual River Center memberships expire each year on May 1.

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID Olympic Mailing

Services

—Sue Chickman photo

Sequim students ‘make rain’ to study the effects of erosion at a past River Festival. See more about the 2016 Festival on page 4. —File photo

Dungeness

River

Festival

sept 23 & 24

& DRIFTWOOD

SHOW

Sept. 24 & 25