Event

2019 Beach Naturalists Course

What unusual thing did you find on the beach last week and how do you identify it? Why are some beaches sandy and others rocky? Why should we care about ocean acidification?

Learn all about local coastal landscapes in the 2019 Beach Naturalist Course. Classes will be Thursdays March 21 - April 25 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 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.