PORT TOWNSEND — The 2016 Beach Naturalist course, which begins March 31, will feature regional scientists and resource managers sharing current research and perspectives.
Six-week class
The six-week class offered by Washington State University Extension service will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays from March 31 to May 5.
Applications are being accepted through March 23.
The cost is $140. Participants are asked to volunteer 40 hours for local marine-related activities over the next year or so.
Volunteer activities will include beach monitoring, public outreach and restoring habitat.
The course is designed for anyone interested in shoreline and marine resources, said Cheryl Lowe, Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee and Beach Watchers coordinator.
A wide range of guest speakers will address marine and beach-related topics such as nearshore marine habitats and species, coastal geology, shellfish management and habitat restoration, she said.
Guest speakers
Guest speakers this year include Hugh Shipman of the state Department of Ecology on coastal geology and bluff erosion; Jeff Adams of Washington Sea Grant on intertidal species; and Margaret Siple of the University of Washington on forage fish.
Rich Childers of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife will speak on shellfish management, and Jamestown S’Klallam and Point No Point Treaty Council staff will present information about treaty rights and tribal resource management.
Classes will be held primarily in Port Townsend but include field trips throughout East Jefferson County.
Field tours will include Rock Point Oyster Company in Quilcene and Elwha River restoration with Ian Miller of Washington Sea Grant and Peninsula College, as well as trips to Discovery Bay and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
For more information or an application, see http://tinyurl.com/PDN-beachwatchers or contact Lowe at 360-379-5610, ext. 230, or Cheryl.lowe@wsu.edu.
