This special acreage along the Dungeness River just to the west of Sequim is the result of cooperative partnerships between numerous conservation minded organizations. It started in the early 1990’s when the Sequim Natural History Museum was looking for a new home and the Olympic Trails Coalition initiated purchase of the historic Dungeness River railroad bridge by the Trust for Public Land. Resale of the land to the State of Washington and a series of subsequent transfers both of title and management responsibilities involving several State agencies, the local Park and Recreation District, the museum group (under various names), Audubon affiliated organizations and the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe led the current partnership arrangement.
Under this partnership, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, the Dungeness River Audubon Center (Center), does fund raising for and oversees management of the natural history museum and the park grounds. The Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society provides assistance to the Center through the volunteer activities of its members in fund raising, cooperative educational programs and management cooperation. The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe holds title to the land in trust, serves as the employer of the staff, provides funding assistance through direct contributions and in-kind support and also cooperates in management. The National Audubon Society recognizes the Center as one of its two affiliated centers in the State of Washington.
Numerous Federal and State grants, as well as support from National Audubon, supplemented local contributions in obtaining the bridge and land and in building the nature center and other facilities. However, no regular tax dollars or outside support are now used for the maintenance and operation of the facility and the level of its services depends on the generous support of Center members and visitors. Access to the park and nature center and many of the programs are provided free of cost so voluntary contributions and generous participation in the Center’s fund raising activities are always welcome.