Learn more about the natural wonders of the Olympic Peninsula with the new Saturday night outdoor speaker series in Sequim.
Bring your own camp chair, snacks, something non-alcoholic to drink and enjoy a Saturday evening outdoors in the new outdoor classroom on the grounds at the Dungeness River Nature Center, 1943 W. Hendrickson Road.
Five speakers will present talks in July, August and September — including one on forest bathing meditation with guided walks the following day.
Presenters are experts in their field and bring a wealth of information on geology, paleo-history, mammals, and reintroduced (and succulent) native oysters.
Presentations begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation for River Center education programs.
The series includes:
• July 15 — “When Geologists Are in the Mountains, They Are Thinking About the Ocean” with Dann May, Peninsula College geology/philosophy professor
Learn about the geological forces that shaped the Olympic Peninsula, from the Cascadia Subduction Zone and plate tectonics to Ice Age continental glaciers, submarine volcanic eruptions and deep sea turbidites formed by underwater “avalanches.” Also, take a brief look at the common rocks of the Olympic Peninsula. tinyurl.com/SEQdrnc915
• July 29 — “Paleochannels of the Dungeness” with David Brownell, Executive Director at the North Olympic History Center
Brownell will discuss the shifting “paleochannels” of the Dungeness River and establish an environmental and anthropological framework to reach a better understanding of the history of the Dungeness River since the end of the last ice age. Learn about the archaeological, geological and other evidence to “recreate” the landscape of the North Olympic Peninsula as it adapted to changes in climate, biology, and other factors. dungenessrivercenter.org/program/sunset-speaker
• Aug. 19 — “Forest Bathing & Awe: An Invitation to an Embodied Practice” with Michael Stein-Ross, founder of Cascadia Forest Therapy
Through his experience as a nature and forest therapy guide, Stein-Ross explores how the practice of forest bathing can invite awe into our lives. He discusses the history of the practice as well as the science behind its physiological benefits. Throughout the talk, he offers sensory-focused invitations to bring to life some of the themes of the discussion. tinyurl.com/SEQdrnc819
• Aug. 20 — “Forest Bathing & Awe: A Guided Walk in Railroad Bridge Park
Two guided walks: 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and noon-2 p.m. Pre-registration required. $10 for DRNC members, $15 for non-DRNC members. All hiking levels welcome. Attend the talk on Saturday evening for greater context around the practice of forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku.
• Sept. 9 — “Making Connections: Place-Based Studies of Large Mammals of the Olympic Peninsula” with Kim Sager-Fradkin, Wildlife Program Manager with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
Sager-Fradkin will discuss the work of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and partners to document wildlife recolonization of the Elwha River Watershed since dam removal, and will also share stories from the Olympic Cougar Project. tinyurl.com/SEQdrnc99
• Sept. 16 — “The Rise and Fall and Rise Again of the Olympia Oyster” with Neil Harrington, environmental biologist with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
This talk will cover the history of Washington’s only native oyster and present day efforts of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to restore and protect these iconic shellfish. tinyurl.com/SEQdrnc916
For more information about the series, contact Montana Napier at 360-681-5637 or montana@dungenessrivercenter.org.
