The Dungeness River Nature Center has unveiled a new series of interpretive signs installed throughout Railroad Bridge Park and the River Center Plaza.

The illustrated outdoor exhibits explore the deep interconnections between the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s cultural traditions and the natural resources of the Dungeness River, inviting visitors to experience the landscape through a rich and meaningful lens.

Funded by a grant from the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the project resulted in 10 outdoor wayside exhibits and one large interpretive bulletin board in the Center’s Plaza. Each panel offers passersby vivid illustrations that bring to life the wildlife, traditional stories, and natural systems of the Dungeness River ecosystem.

In one instance, native plants featured on a sign about bird habitat were planted beside the panel, thanks to a donation from a local landscaper.

“River Center and Tribal staff have only heard positive things and a lot of great discussions inspired by the new interpretive signs and content,” said Tribal Planning Director Luke Strong-Cvetich. “More S’Klallam language, culture, history, and stories are present in the park than ever before.”

He added, “We normally see peak visitation at the River Center during the summer and can’t wait for all the visitors to get to experience the new interpretive signs and content.”

The installation also includes an Eco-Counter system, which will track visitor engagement and inform future educational efforts. The River Center anticipates increased visitation as the weather warms, and plans to host a community celebration later this spring.

The signs offer a meaningful way for locals and visitors alike to connect more deeply with the landscape, and with the stories that have shaped it for generations.

The interpretive signs were developed through a close partnership between the Dungeness River Nature Center, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and community members.

The DRNC expressed its gratitude to Tribal elders Elaine Grinnell, Liz Mueller, Janet Duncan, and Lisa Barrell as well as Tribal citizens Loni Greninger, Dusty Humphries, Sarah Klostermeier, Alisha Adams, Lu Canales, Mackenzie Grinnell, and Emma Barrell. Special thanks were also given to Jamestown staff members Allie Taylor, Luke Strong-Cvetich, and Powell Jones; River Center staff; board members; and volunteers Montana Napier, Kathy Steichen, Lyn Muench, Bob Boekelheide, and Ken Wiersem, as well as sign artist Larry Eifert.

The Dungeness River Nature Center is located at 1943 W. Hendrickson Rd. in Sequim.

Photo courtesy of Dungeness River Nature Center| Thanks to a partnership that included the community and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, the Dungeness River Nature Center has new interpretive signage.