Wetlands

Theler Wetland Trails.  Download a Theler Wetlands Trail Guide here (click on the PDF icon):
The Theler property covers some 75 acres, and the agreement with WDFW expands the trail system to 135 acres.
Four separate trails are open to the public free of charge during daylight hours, seven days a week. Birdwatchers and photographers flock to the wetlands, where they'll see kingfishers, heron and other birds – and possibly a fox or a mink – on a good day.
Sorry, but your pets are not permitted on the wetlands trails.

Entrance to Wetland Trails.  Bela Kovacs and his son, Thomas Kovacs designed and built the three-dimensional steel gate. The gate features cattails, birds and a circular "window" the builder envisioned as a frame for the sun at certain times of the year. The Theler gate replaces a wood and cement one crafted by John Olsen and known for years as an icon of the wetlands. Weather damage made it unstable, and it recently was removed.

Exhibit Center.  The Wetlands Exhibit Center depends on volunteers to keep it open from 11 am - 3 pm on weekends and holidays, so there is no guarantee the building will be open on those days. Look for the "open" sign as you are walking by.

Native Plant Demonstration Garden.  The Wetlands Native Plant Demonstration Gardens are accessed by a trail located behind the Theler Community Center, clearly visible from the highway. The trail entrance is marked by a gate and "Nature Trail" signage. In the two acres surrounding the wetlands building, a native plant and grass garden was created and maintained by the Mason County Master Gardeners. Plant lovers have much to admire. The native garden began under the loving care of Master Gardener Dr. Arp Masley and Evergreen College Intern Liz Morrell. Together they planned the garden and collected plants and seeds. In 1996, the blackberries and canary grass were eliminated by Master Gardener labor and soil was brought in to enrich and raise the planting area. In 1997, there were more plantings and ever since, additions to the species list have been planted. Currently there are over 800 plant specimens.
Sorry, but your pets are not permitted on the wetlands trails.