High Quality Hand-crafted Items, Homemade Baked Goods, and Raffle
of a Unique $550 Table Raise Funds to Support Education Programs

Sequim, Wash., November 4, 2016 – “Holiday shoppers count on finding unique gifts at Nature Mart, and our goal this year is to raise at least $10,000 to help fund River Center Education Programs,” says Co-chair and artist Tuttie Peetz. The 10th annual Nature Mart, on Friday and Saturday, November 18 &19, will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days at the Dungeness River Audubon Center in Railroad Bridge Park, 2151 West Hendrickson Road in Sequim. Proceeds from Nature Mart and the raffle help support the Center’s education programs.

Selected items are already on sale in the Center’s new ‘Nature Mart Nook’, where you can also see the beautiful custom table donated for the Nature Mart raffle. Using boards salvaged from the old Railroad Bridge decking, craftsman Tom Butler created a one-of-a kind, 45-inch long table that will look stunning behind a sofa, or in an entry or hall. Raffle tickets for the $550-value table are $20, and only 100 will be sold. Tickets are on sale now at the River Center. The winning ticket will be drawn at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19th, and the winner need not be present.

“Nature Mart shoppers will find a spectacular array of items, many made from natural and/or repurposed materials again this year,” says Co-chair Shirley Anderson, one of the creators of handcrafted gifts. The one-of-a-kind gifts and ornaments range from useful and/or decorative items, such as scarves and purses made from antique silk, to pet toys and treats. Each purchase helps support the Center’s education programs. The River Center gift shop is also stocked with many appealing gift items.

New to Nature Mart this year, will be the option to order a custom wooden sign for your home (also made and donated by Tom Butler) or to purchase a limited number of boards salvaged from the Railroad Bridge – these are collector’s items! Again this year, shoppers and visitors will be invited to enjoy a free cup of hot cider, as they’re deciding what Nature Mart activity to do next:

· Make a fresh wreath, purchase a premade wreath or fresh holiday arrangement, or order a fresh flower holiday centerpiece to be picked up at a later date.

· Have pictures taken with some of the River Center’s special animals. (Although the photo service is free, a $5 donation is suggested and all donations are welcome.)

· Stock up on handmade suet feeders or nest boxes for their feathered friends, cat toys and mats, or homemade Buddy Biscuits for their dog.

· Sample the tasty treats at the Sweet and Savory Bake Sale or do it all!

The Dungeness River Audubon Center seeks to inspire understanding, enjoyment, and stewardship of the Olympic Peninsula’s unique natural and cultural resources with emphasis on birds, rivers, fish, and people. To learn more about upcoming activities and programs, visit the Center’s Facebook page and web site, www.DungenessRiverCenter.org. -end-