PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Marine Science Center has created a new winter exhibit, “Plastics in the Marine Environment,” which will open in February.
About 500 students from across the North Olympic Peninsula will be able to attend the exhibit thanks to more than $5,000 from U.S. Bancorp Foundation, American Marine Bank and Puget Sound Energy.
The money will underwrite the costs of busing and instruction at the exhibit.
Students from Jefferson County, Bremerton, Sequim and Port Angeles will be in the exhibit from Feb. 4 through March 27.
“The response has been gratifying, both in the numbers of students and teachers who want to come and in the generosity of the business community,” said JoAnne Heron, Marine Science Center development director.
“We know it’s been a hard time economically for businesses, so we are especially pleased that our work is seen as an essential part of education in this region.”
With school funding cutbacks over the past few years, scholarships to bring students to the marine science center are more important than ever, she said.
Heron said the exhibit will help create awareness of plastics pollution in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca and help educate young people about things that can be done to help address the problem.
Teachers and schools wishing to apply for assistance to attend the exhibit are invited to phone Carolyn Woito at 360-385-5582, Ext. 113, or e-mail cwoito@ptmsc.org.
