Visitors to the Dungeness River Nature Center can borrow binoculars to enhance their bird and wildlife exploration experience. Simply visit the “Information” desk and ask to check out a set of binoculars.

Wondering about the tag on the binocular strap that says “Isaac loved birdwatching, we hope you will too” means? In partnership with Isaac’s family, we’d love to share his story with you.

Isaac’s story:

Seeming at home with the flora and fauna along the river, young Isaac Smith would build rock landmarks, skip stones, picnic with his family, and before the day was through, if he had some birthday money, peruse the nature-themed items in the gift store at the Dungeness River Nature Center.

Isaac, who was involved with Dungeness Community Church Youth Group, Missoula Children’s Theatre, Aspire Academy, Olympic Peninsula Home Connections and more, used to attend many of the youth summer camps and annual River Festival events hosted at Railroad Bridge Park.

Teresa Smith, Isaac’s mother, shares that he loved participating in the Wednesday Morning bird walks. Veteran birdwatchers would see Isaac’s interest and lower their adult-level tripods down to his height so he could try for a glimpse of birds.

“He loved eagles; [those were] his absolute favorite,” Teresa said. “He knew all the backyard birds.”

Isaac, who grew up and spent all of his 12 years in Sequim, died in a vehicle accident in British Columbia while on vacation with his family in 2010.

In Isaac’s honor, his mother reached out to friends and family and raised $2,600 in donations to support some kind of memorial at the River Center. With assistance from Christie Lassen, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited, a total of 14 Vortex Diamondback 8×42 binoculars were purchased from Vortex Optics and donated to the River Center.

The binoculars are available at the River Center now to check out. Visitors can use them to spot wildlife in the 75 wooded acres surrounding the River Center or in the new exhibit room, which mimics the mountain, forest and estuary where birds and animals’ nest and feed.

“It feels like a beautiful and fitting way and place for Isaac’s memory to live on in the community where he lived his entire life,” Teresa Smith said about the binocular program.

The next time you visit the River Center, we hope you borrow a set of binoculars and enjoy the surrounding beauty of nature.

“Isaac loved birdwatching, we hope you will too.”