Nisqually Reach Nature Center Wins Environmental Awards

nisqually reach
Students find ribbon worm at Luhr Beach during a Nisqually Reach Nature Center summer camp.
0 Shares

 

Submitted by Nisqually Reach Nature Center

nisqually reach
Students find ribbon worm at Luhr Beach during a Nisqually Reach Nature Center summer camp.

The Nisqually Reach Nature Center (NRNC), located in Olympia, Washington, received two awards that were announced Wednesday at the annual meeting in Richmond, BC, of the Washington-British Columbia chapter of the American Fisheries Society. NRNC was recognized as both Conservation Organization of the Year and Volunteer Organization of the Year by the Society chapter.

Conservation Organization of the Year is awarded annually to “an organization that has significantly contributed to a program or activity for conservation of fishery resources or habitats.” NRNC’s mission is to promote the understanding and preservation of the Nisqually estuarine ecosystem through education and research.

The Society cited NRNC’s initiative in promoting the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve as part of the Aquatic Reserve program of the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Established by DNR in 2011, the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve encompasses nearly 15,000 acres of DNR-owned aquatic lands stretching from Tolmie State Park to the eastern edge of McNeil Island, east to Steilacoom and south to the Nisqually delta. Working with DNR, NRNC Executive Director Daniel Hull brought together stakeholders including representatives of commercial interests, Pierce and Thurston County communities, and Tribes to develop a management plan for the new Reserve.

NRNC oversees two Aquatic Reserve Citizen Stewardship Committees—one at NRNC’s facility at Luhr Beach and the other on Anderson Island–that have undertaken citizen science research projects, kept track of proposed regulations that might impact the Reserve, and monitored activities within the Reserve. Two projects relevant to the American Fisheries Society are the Forage Fish Spawning Survey and the Pigeon Guillemot Breeding Survey. These surveys will provide data to help in assessing the status of forage fish in south Puget Sound. Small fish such as sculpin comprise a major portion of the diet of seabirds such as Pigeon Guillemots.

As Volunteer Organization of the Year, NRNC was recognized as a nonprofit that inspires many dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers who promote the importance of protecting the pristine habitat of the Nisqually delta. Volunteers staff the Center, serve as counselors at summer science camps, carry out citizen science research projects, and educate visitors at many community outreach events in Pierce and Thurston Counties.

Saltwater aquariums at the visitor center display marine creatures including sea cucumbers, Dungeness and other crabs, gunnels, forage fish, ghost shrimp, and sea stars. Since NRNC was established more than 30 years ago, volunteers have been instrumental in providing information and opportunities for community members to experience the beauty of the Nisqually estuary.

“We are pleased and honored to receive these awards,” said Jim Cubbage, President of NRNC’s Board of Directors. “The awards will inspire us to work even harder to bring our message of environmental stewardship to South Sound communities.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares