Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group

Support the Union River Estuary + Theler Wetland Trails!

HCSEG is raising funds for the public trails and facilities at the Union River Estuary and Theler Wetlands! In addition to upkeep of the wetland trails and boardwalks, HCSEG is hard at work restoring the Theler Wildlife Museum so that it can be reopened to the public. HCSEG works to improve and maintain all of these public spaces so that they remain accessible and safe for our entire community. The wetlands also serve as an outdoor classroom for many of HCSEG's environmental education programs, as well as the location of the annual 5k Salmon Run!

The Union Estuary and Theler Wetlands are home to several species of salmon, including threatened Hood Canal Summer Chum. HCSEG works to keep this ecosystem healthy and thriving by removing invasive plant species, trash and other debris. 

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Why support the Union Estuary and Theler Wetland trails?

Maintaining the wetland trails also provides our community an accessible place to get outside, as well as witness an incredible habitat restoration project at work. Folks come from all over western Washington to visit the wetlands for respite in nature and to observe the return of countless species of birds, salmon, foxes, otters and other wildlife that had once been absent from the estuary due to loss of habitat. As you can imagine, the wetlands also serves as a perfect outdoor classroom for environmental education programs for students of all ages, families and life-long learners.

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About the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group

For over 30 years, with the help of our donors, volunteers, and staff, the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group participates in restoration and research projects throughout the entire Hood Canal Watershed. These efforts not only benefit local salmon populations, but also support the ecological diversity of this beautiful and scenic natural community.

In addition to habitat restoration and research, HCSEG carries out an assortment of educational programs and summer camps that are free to our community, supporting students, teachers, and life-long learners. HCSEG also provides internships and scholarships to local Hood Canal students each year.

Located next to the Union River estuary, HCSEG’s headquarters, the Salmon Center, operates certified organic garden (with produce available to our community by donation only!), as well as a variety of farm animals to demonstrate how salmon, humans, and agriculture can coexist. The farm is also home to honeybees, a pollinator garden, and a dog park! HCSEG also maintains several miles of walking trails within the Union River Estuary, so that the public can enjoy this recently restored habitat and observe the rebound of nature in this critical salmon ecosystem. All of these amenities and spaces are free and open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk.