Discover the World of Beaches, Bluffs and Marine Life
Jefferson WSU Extension, Kitsap WSU Extension and WA Sea Grant are partnering to offer a 6-week Beach Naturalists training via Zoom. The training is designed for anyone who is interested in learning about Salish Sea marine habitats and species, restoration and conservation efforts, community science opportunities, and more!
This virtual format will include lectures, guest speaker panels and q&a sessions on Tuesdays, as well as small group discussions, remote beach tours and activities on Thursdays. You will learn directly from regional experts about Salish Sea marine habitats and species, restoration and conservation efforts, and community science opportunities.
Class sessions:
9:30am-12:30pm, Tuesdays, April 13 – May 18 (April 13, 20, 27 & May 4, 11, 18)
12:30-2pm, Thursdays, April 15 – May 13 (April 15, 22, 29 & May 6, 13)
Register online: https://2021_kitsap-jefferson_beachnaturalists.eventbrite.com
Early bird (before March 31): $70
General (after March 31): $75
Registration deadline is April 8. Space is limited! Refunds cannot be processed after April 12, 2021. Some scholarships are available for qualifying applicants. For more information, contact Monica Montgomery, the Jefferson WSU Beach Naturalist Coordinator at monica.montgomery1@wsu.edu.
Find more information here or contact Monica Montgomery at monica.montgomery1@wsu.edu. Register here before April 8 (Early bird: $70, General: $75 after Apr 1). Space is limited!
What Will I Learn?
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Salish Sea 101 – The Salish Sea is one of the world’s largest and biologically rich inland seas. Learn about ocean dynamics, tides, beach processes, and the nearshore and marine habitats that make up this special corner of the world.
Seaweeds & Seagrasses – Learn from local experts Jeff Adams and Nam Siu about the wondrous diversity of seaweeds and seagrasses, and their important ecological functions.
Intertidal Invertebrates & Sea Creatures – This is always a favorite topic! You’ll learn about the various intertidal zones and the sea creatures that take residence there, with lots of fun facts and some identification skills to inspire your next low tide beach walk. You learn about invertebrates, seabirds, and marine mammals, and how they’re all interconnected.
Restoration, Conservation & Protection – Learn about what local Tribes, agencies, and organizations are doing to improve our marine ecosystems, and how you can stay informed.
Community Science – Find out how you can get involved! Students will learn about community science projects and opportunities with the WA Sea Grant SoundToxins program and Crab Team, Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, and more! What are harmful algal blooms and how are they being monitored? Why is the European Green Crab considered to be one of the world’s worst invasive species and how can we protect our native habitats? How do I know if a marine mammal is stranded and what should I do? Learn the answers to these, and discover other ways you can get involved in volunteer opportunities in your community.