THELER WETLANDS NATURE CENTER OPENS

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Salmon Center celebrated the reopening of the Theler Wetlands Nature Center on Thursday, July 30, at 22803 Highway 33 in Belfair.

The Center, which was closed for over 12 years, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and is staffed by Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) AmeriCorps volunteers. HCSEG is pursuing grants to support the renovation project and is developing a volunteer docent program.

Along with the Nature Center renovation, WDFW and HCSEG have restored 7 acres of estuary habitat in the Theler Wetlands to reestablish natural tidal processes, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, mitigate flood impacts, and improve recreational access. An elevated boardwalk is also being built to reconnect the 3.2-mile trail network.

Photo by HCSEG: WDFW Conservation Education Coordinator Lindsay Walker shows a child a skull replica during a past open house for the Theler Wetlands Nature Center in Mason County.