SEQUIM — The “family fun event of the century” at the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday will feature live raptors, a treasure chest and a chance to explore a model of the New Dungeness Lighthouse, with no hiking necessary.
Visitors will even be able to take a selfie with Bigfoot, promises Dave Falzetti, the refuge wildlife officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“It’s his only public appearance,” Falzetti said in a news release.
These and other activities are planned for Kids’ Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the refuge at 554 Voice of America Road near Sequim.
The free event is one of several at the refuge during its centennial year.
President Woodrow Wilson signed Executive Order 2123 establishing the Dungeness Spit Reservation as “a refuge, preserve, and breeding ground for native birds” Jan. 20, 1915.
Presidential Proclamation 2416 in 1940 changed the reservation’s name to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, as it is known today.
On Saturday, visitors can walk in the forest and on beaches, including the 5½-mile-long Dungeness Spit.
The first 250 children to arrive will get nature kits.
All who visit can:
■ Climb inside a giant model of a migrating salmon and hear “tails” of adventure.
■ Look at bugs of all kinds.
■ Make and take home plaster shell prints.
■ Create a wildlife art project.
■ See a model of the New Dungeness Lighthouse.
■ Put temporary tattoos on their arms.
■ Learn about wildlife in Olympic National Park.
Other events marking the refuge’s centennial year will be:
■ July 18, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. — Geology walks to examine the geological history of the area. Participants will meet in the refuge parking area.
■ Aug. 15 — Shorebird walk led by Audubon society members. Time to be announced, dependent on the tides.
■ Sept. 25-26 — Celebration of 100 years with the Dungeness River Bridge and Klahhane Hike Club as part of the annual River Festival at the river center.
■ Nov. 21, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Migrating waterfowl walk on the refuge led by Audubon society members. Participants will meet in the parking area.
The entrance fee to the refuge is $3 per family or per group with up to four adults. Children younger than 16 are admitted free.
For more information about the refuge’s centennial year, see www.dungeness100.com, phone the refuge office at 360-457-8451 or email david_falzetti@fws.g.