On Saturday, May 15, 22 of Annette Hanson's friends and admirers walked the

Olympic Discovery Trail to honor her role in helping to create Railroad Bridge Park and the Dungeness River Audubon Center, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road in Sequim.

They were participating in the "Great Board Walk," a 17-mile relay from the center in Sequim to Hollywood Beach in Port Angeles. The walk is part of the center's annual Dungeness Spring Fling fundraiser.

"Without Annette's commitment and perseverance, we would not have either Railroad Bridge Park or the River Center," said DRAC board member Lyn Muench.

"What better way to show our appreciation than to raise funds that will help support two of her favorite places."

To date, the "Board Walk" and "Honor Annette Fund" have raised more than $4,000 and contributions still are coming in. Proceeds will go toward supporting River Center educational programs and Railroad Bridge Park maintenance. Donations to the "Honor Annette Fund" should be sent to the Dungeness River Audubon Center, P.O. Box 2450, Sequim, WA 98382.

The annual Dungeness Spring Fling throughout May promotes fitness, fun and well-being while rising funds for a worthy cause. In 2009, Spring Fling raised more than $22,000 to help support the River Center and Railroad Bridge Park and has raised more than $11,500 so far this year. The goal for 2010 is $30,000.

The Spring Fling calendar of events is on the River Center Web site, www.dungeness

rivercenter.org, as well as details for participating and/or sponsoring your favorite Spring Fling team.

Upcoming events include a Miller Peninsula hike (May 21), Morse Creek Trestle walk (May 23), Dungeness River in the mountains hike (May 25), Miller Peninsula bird walk (May 25), and a Salt Creek to Striped Peak hike (May 28). These events are free for Spring Fling participants; suggested donation for others is $5 per walk. The final Spring Fling event will be an awards party from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 5, at the River Center for participants and sponsors.