A large sturgeon swimming in a water tank, framed by lush green ferns, with a white wooden wall in the background.

Help Herman’s Legacy: Support the Sturgeon Interpretive Center

Celebrate Herman the Sturgeon and invest in a brighter future for sturgeon conservation in Oregon.

Meet Herman

A white sturgeon nearly 11 ft long, over 500 lbs, and more than 90 years old, Herman has captured hearts across Oregon. From their time at Roaring River Hatchery to decades of visitation at the State Fair, Herman is an enduring state icon. 

Watch ODFW’s video celebrating Herman’s storied life (2023)

The Center & Our Mission

In 1997, OWF partnered with ODFW to raise $350,000 and build the Sturgeon Viewing and Interpretive Center at  Bonneville Fish Hatchery, creating a safe, public-facing habitat and educational facility featuring Herman the Sturgeon. Over 27 years of exposure to Columbia River Gorge weather have impacted the Center and ponds, which now need repairs and updating.

There’s an urgent need to:

  • Replace the roof and improve the structure

  • Improve pond habitats for Herman and other inhabitants

  • Refresh interpretive messaging about white sturgeon and their conservation

SIC Building Fun

In the short term, we're focused on essential repairs to the Center's infrastructure, enhancing the pond habitat for Herman and its fellow residents, and refreshing the Center's interpretive and educational messaging. Looking ahead, our long-term vision is to establish a dedicated building fund—ensuring that resources are readily available for routine upkeep and future improvements.

The Sturgeon Interpretive Center needs a new roof
The Center was dedicated in 1998.
Signage needs to be updated at the Sturgeon Interpretive Center

Why It Matters

White sturgeon once roamed freely throughout the Columbia River Basin, but dams, rising water temperatures, and altered habitats have restricted their range and reduced their spawning success. Today, white (and green) sturgeon populations face increased pressure from predation and environmental change. Your gift ensures that visitors can continue to engage with Herman’s story and learn about the broader conservation challenges and solutions affecting sturgeon in Oregon.

How to Give

Choose from flexible giving options:

  • Online: Donate instantly via Give Lively

  • Stock, DAF, QCDs, Crypto: Leverage various tax-efficient methods via FreeWill

For more information on the Sturgeon Interpretive Center please contact Executive Director, Tim Greseth or Development Manager, Rebecca Roberts

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