PORT ANGELES — Learn the differences between a sea cucumber and a lion head nudibranch, giant kelp from bull kelp, and differentiate among the varied species of sea stars that live in the water just off the North Olympic Peninsula beaches during classes at Feiro Marine Life Center.
Feiro Marine Life Center staff members and guest marine biologists and oceanographers will teach, phylum by phylum, identification and life cycles of marine animals, plants and seaweeds that inhabit the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The eight-week program includes classroom and laboratory, with opportunities for hands-on learning experiences including participating in plankton tows and beach seines to capture live animals for identification and examination.
Classes meet from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning this Tuesday at the marine life center on City Pier, at the north end of Railroad Street.
Class registration is $50. Scholarships are available.
The final week of class includes a trip to coastal tide pools, weather permitting.
The eight-week course meets the requirements for participants to volunteer at the center.
Volunteers guide visitors at the center as a naturalist, work with school groups, prepare exhibits and displays, or clean and care for the live exhibits.
Those with office and computer skills are also needed to assist office staff with administrative tasks.
To register for the class, call Feiro Marine Life Center at 360-417-6254 or visit the center’s website at www.feiromarinelifecenter.org.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
