Theler Wetlands Nature Center
nature + interpretive center

A vibrant gateway to conservation, discovery and stewardship where community and nature walk hand-in-hand

A vibrant gateway to conservation, discovery and stewardship where community and nature walk hand-in-hand

Location

22871 NE State Route 3, Belfair, WA, 98528

TWNC parking is at the far end of Mary E. Theler Learning Center parking lot. Walk down the trail to get to TWNC!

hours

Due to staffing shortages and schedule changes, the Nature Center will not be open on a regular basis.
Fall operating hours coming soon!

Questions

info@pnwsalmoncenter.org

About Theler Wetlands Nature Center (TWNC)

TWNC serves as the interpretive center for the Theler Wetlands, located in Belfair, Washington. At TWNC you will find a nature interpretive center (currently under renovation), a classroom (available for groups by reservation only), and multiple sheltered areas. TWNC is surrounded by over 4 miles of walking trails and 570 acres of estuarine and wetland habitat. All of these spaces are free and open to the public!

The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement group also uses TWNC as a setting for the Theler Environmental Education Program (TEEP). TEEP provides free experiential learning opportunities in nature for K-12 youth, while using the surrounding ecosystem as an outdoor classroom. HCSEG provides guided field trips, professional development workshops for educators, and lesson plans/resources as part of the TEEP program.

TWNC is part of the Union River Wildlife Area Unit, which is managed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The Nature center is operated by HCSEG as part of a cooperative agreement with WDFW.

Reviving TWNC

In 2023, HCSEG and WDFW partnered to finalize the land transfer and acquisition of the Theler Wetlands Nature Center and, under our new management, we are ambitiously working to restore and repair this space so that it can be reopened to the public. HCSEG intends to use this space as a classroom to implement our many free environmental education programs for k-12 students, to provide interpretive programs for the community and lifelong learners, and to be open to the public on a regular basis. This project will finally make this space safe and accessible, and reopen the beloved nature center – which has been closed for over 12 years – to the community. Our mission for the Theler Wetlands Nature Center is to create a vibrant gateway to conservation, discovery and stewardship where community and nature walk hand-in-hand

We have been working on essential maintenance and safety needs, such as cleaning, renovating the attic space, painting, replacing the carpet, and repairing the windows and gutters. 

We are currently fundraising and applying for grants as we enter the next phase of this project.

DONATE

Once the necessary repairs and safety updates have been made, our team will be working to turn the nature center into a vibrant space for our community, which will include a small office for HCSEG staff to lead interpretive programs and serve as guides for visitors at the center.

Unfortunately, many of the existing interpretive displays and equipment are damaged or outdated. To remake this space into a thriving center of learning and community, we need your help to raise funds and share your vision for the space!

Progress

COMPLETED

  • Cleaning
  • Remove broken displays / equipment
  • Stain the building exterior
  • Re-paint the inside of the building
  • Replace flooring
  • In progress: Theler pollinator gardens + native plant beds
  • Interpretive Center Office: Computers, desks, etc.

TO-DO

  • Finish replacing building gutters
  • Interpretive Center building security updates (cameras, remote door locking, etc)
  • Bathroom updates: replace toilet, sink, ADA improvements
  • Interpretive Center Displays: Planning + Design
  • Interpretive Center Displays: Fabrication + Installation
  • Repair and install new interpretive center signage
Be part of the future of TWNC!

As HCSEG, WDFW and other partners work to revive and re-open the Theler Wetlands Nature Center, we invite you to be part of the future vision of this community space. Click the button below to complete our TWNC survey!

This survey will provide critical information that enables us to incorporate feedback and perspectives from the members of our community into the future goals and mission of TWNC.

survey