Event

2018 Beach Naturalists Course

What is that strange thing you found on the beach last week? Do sand fleas (beach hoppers) bite? Where does beach sand (or cobbles) come from?

Learn all about local coastal landscapes in the 2018 Beach Naturalist Course. Classes will be held on Wednesdays, March 28 to May 2 from 9 am to 4 pm in Port Hadlock, WA. This lively class is designed for anyone interested in shorelines, marine life and natural history. Class and field trip locations include Port Townsend, Discovery Bay, Quilcene and Port Hadlock.

Students learn about intertidal habitats, coastal geology, kelp, plankton, oceanography and much more in this 6-week class. Each session includes classroom lectures by regional experts and field trips to explore new and familiar beaches with fresh perspectives.

Participants are expected to volunteer 40 hours for local marine-related programs over the next year. Students love the volunteering part, says Cheryl Lowe, Program Coordinator. They continue learning as they help local conservation organizations with citizen science monitoring projects such as counting salmon or Olympia oysters; planting trees to restore habitat and helping with public outreach events.

Registration closes on March 14th. Space is limited. Cost is $150. Some scholarships are available.

See http://ext100.wsu.edu/jefferson/nrs/beachwatchers/ for more info and registration information. Or contact Cheryl Lowe at 360-379-5610 x 230 or Cheryl.lowe@wsu.edu.