CASCADE LOCKS — Sept. 27 marked 25 years since Oregon Wildlife Foundation (OWF) formally dedicated the Sturgeon Interpretive and Viewing Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home to Herman the Sturgeon. The center was built at the hatchery to provide a safe and comfortable habitat for Herman and serve as a venue through which hatchery visitors can learn about this unique and long-lived fish species.
OWF raised more than $350,000 to construct the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, partly thanks to a grant from ODFW’s Restoration and Enhancement Program.
The Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery is one of Oregon’s top visitor attractions and a “must-see” for people visiting the Columbia River Gorge.
“Construction of the Sturgeon Interpretive Center at Bonneville Fish Hatchery served the important purpose of giving Herman a safe and permanent home. Its mission to provide visitors with information about white sturgeon and their conservation continues,” said Tim Greseth, executive director of Oregon Wildlife Foundation.
The center has served its purpose and mission for 25 years, but prolonged exposure to Columbia River Gorge weather has taken a toll on the building and the interpretive signage within it needs to speak to a present-day audience. This appraisal, on the anniversary of the center, spurred the foundation into action.
OWF is readying a fundraising campaign to make essential repairs to the building, improvements within the pond, updated messaging regarding white sturgeon and their conservation, and improved wayfinding for people visiting the hatchery.
“We want to ensure that the Sturgeon Interpretive Center will continue fulfilling its purpose and mission for another 25 years,” said Greseth.
The foundation, as part of its fundraising campaign, will make an appeal for public support in the near future.
“We’re getting organized and hope that Herman’s fans will help us when it’s time,” said Greseth.
The Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center is located at Bonneville Fish Hatchery, 70543 NE Herman Loop, in Cascade Locks. From I-84, take Exit 40 to Bonneville Dam/Fish Hatchery. Follow the signs to the hatchery and park in the parking lot. For more information on the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center, visit www.myodfw.com/bonneville-hatchery-visitors-guide.
Oregon Wildlife Foundation
Oregon Wildlife Foundation is an apolitical operating charitable foundation dedicated to increasing private and public funding support for wildlife conservation projects in Oregon.
Since 1981, OWF has directed tens of millions of dollars in private and public support to a broad range of projects throughout Oregon. For more information visit www.myowf.org.
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