Old original map of Master Gardener demonstration gardens at the Theler Center.

Theler Wetlands

Hands-on educational workshops in North Mason County
WSU Extension > Mason County > Master Gardener Home > Educational Outreach > Theler Wetlands
Master Gardener Marie Swanson and volunteer Joanne Tejeda pose smiling on either side of a wooden bear statue.

Originally planted in 1997, the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at the Theler Wetlands was home to an immense, labeled collection of Washington native plant species. While the original demonstration garden space has experienced some neglect over the years, a new group of Master Gardeners has recently become involved in guiding community volunteers on ways to renovate and redefine the space.

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Mary E. Theler Early Learning Center & Wetlands Trails

22871 WA-3, Belfair, WA 98528
Open to the public dawn to dusk
Master Gardeners host Transformation Planning Meetings (every second Wednesday) as well as Focus Talks & Transformation Work Parties (every Sunday following the planning meeting) every month, spring through fall! View the Upcoming Events below to find out your next opportunity to get involved.

Upcoming Events

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Native Oregon Grape blooming with bright yellow flower.

A gift to the community…

The Mary E. Theler Community Center was a gift to the children and people of Belfair from long-time resident Sam Theler. Sam’s original gift now includes not just the original community center, but also one of the largest estuary trail complexes on the Hood Canal. With 3.2 miles of trails and multiple educational centers, the Theler Wetlands provides bird watching groups, educational institutions, and community members with direct access to wildlife on the Union River Estuary.

Theler Wetlands Restoration Project

Hundreds of salmon swimming in clear water.

Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG)

From the HCSEG website:
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) are planning to restore 7 acres of estuarine wetland habitat and reconnect a disrupted trail network at the Mary E. Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve. Union River continues to support the strongest run of Hood Canal summer chum in lower Hood Canal, and significant progress has been made in recent years to protect and restore estuarine and freshwater wetlands, restore riparian vegetation, and improve fish passage. This project will build critical rearing habitat for summer chum by expanding tidal connectivity inside the diked area. This will positively impact plant establishment, tidal channel development, food resources and habitat processes.

Learn more about the restoration project