ABOUT NISQUALLY REACH NATURE CENTER
The Nisqually Reach Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. For 40 years, we have offered environmental education to thousands of youth and adults at Luhr Beach in Olympia, Washington, and in the classroom. The Center provides field trip opportunities, supplemental classroom activities, and summer camps, all aimed at sharing the beauty and uniqueness of the Nisqually Estuary and learning the values of conservation, particularly with regard to South Puget Sound.
OUR MISSION
To promote the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the Nisqually Estuary through education, interpretation, and community science.
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that Nisqually Reach Nature Center resides on the traditional lands of the Nisqually people.
The Nisqually have lived on and cared for this land and these waterways since time immemorial. We make this acknowledgment to open a space of recognition, inclusion, and respect for our sovereign tribal partners and all indigenous students, families, volunteers, and members of our community.
Who are We?
NRNC was established in 1982 as an extension of the Black Hills Audubon Society, and in 1986 it became an independent nonprofit entity. NRNC has a proud history of reaching thousands of community members in the South Sound each year with our messages of environmental stewardship and conservation. Through the years, our emphasis has expanded from general public outreach to our current focus on providing supplemental classroom, laboratory, and field trip opportunities for schools in Thurston and Pierce counties and beyond. In a typical year, around 3,000 school-age kids visit the Nature Center with their teachers and parents. We also conduct community science monitoring of pigeon guillemots, forage fish, larval crabs, and water quality.
Where is NRNC located?
We are located in northeast Olympia at Luhr Beach, on the western shore of the Nisqually estuary. Through a cooperative agreement with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, which operates the adjacent public boat launch, NRNC occupies a building on the site of a historic fishing and hunting camp established by Bill Luhr, Sr.
Our location is ideal for illustrating the beauty and value of a pristine estuary: with Mt. Rainier in the background, McAllister Creek flows into Puget Sound in front of the Center and the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge lies a short distance across the water. In addition to providing access to fishing and crabbing in Puget Sound waters, the area is popular with duck hunters in the winter, and year-round bird watchers and recreational boaters.
Non-discrimination Statement
The Nisqually Reach Nature Center does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, hiring and firing of staff or contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and providing of services
Community Science
Summer Camp
NRNC has offered popular summer camps since 2000. We currently offer Classic Beach camp for 2nd-7th graders and Science Adventure Camp for 8th-10th graders.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Nature Center is interested in supporting students in designing and carrying out individual or team research projects.
Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve
The Center is the site proponent of the 15,000-acre Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve, designated in 2011 by Washington’s Department of Natural Resources.
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