Students from Helen Haller Elementary recently spent the day exploring one of Sequim’s most treasured natural landmarks, the Dungeness River. During the annual Dungeness River Festival, students experienced hands-on science activities, cultural demonstrations, and interactive exhibits that celebrated the rich natural environment of the Olympic Peninsula.
Hosted at the Dungeness River Nature Center, the annual festival brings together educators, scientists, and tribal and community partners who share their knowledge about salmon, watersheds, wildlife, and conservation. Students rotated through engaging stations that taught them how clean water, healthy forests, and connected ecosystems work together to sustain the region’s unique biodiversity.
The Dungeness River Festival holds special meaning for the Sequim community. The Dungeness River is home to wild salmon runs that have supported the area’s people and wildlife for generations. Events like this help students understand the importance of caring for local ecosystems and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the natural world around them.
By the end of the day, Helen Haller students had not only learned about the science of the river, they had also experienced firsthand the spirit of stewardship and community that flows through it.