Since 1982, the Nisqually Reach Nature Center (the Center) has promoted the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the Nisqually Estuary through education, interpretation, and community science. Originally opened as an extension of the Black Hills Audubon Society, the Center operates out of a historic hunting and fishing lodge perched on the Western shore of the Nisqually Estuary at Luhr Beach.

The Center sits at a confluence of historically and ecologically significant landmarks. From the building, visitors can view the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve, and the outflows of both the Nisqually River and Medicine Creek. The Center itself resides on the traditional lands of the Nisqually people, just a few short miles downstream from the signing location of the Medicine Creek Treaty. With much of the nearby estuarine and upstream riparian habitat conserved, our location affords visitors the opportunity to experience a uniquely intact wetland ecosystem.

In the 42 years since our founding, the Center 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 focuses on environmental education and community science. Typically, over 1,500 school-age kids visit the Center with their teachers and parents or are reached by our education staff through a myriad of partnerships annually. Our community science program connects volunteers with robust data collection efforts to monitor pigeon guillemots, larval crabs, and water quality. The Center also acted as the sponsor organization for the creation of the Nisqually Reach Aquatic Reserve.