PORT TOWNSEND — Registration closes on Friday for Beach Naturalist training offered by the WSU Jefferson County Extension to help North Olympic Peninsula residents turn environmental knowledge into action.
The five-day virtual classroom training, offered to residents in both Jefferson and Clallam counties, will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 12, 14 and 19 and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 21 and May 5. The virtual training will be coupled with optional in-person field trips to beaches around East Jefferson County.
Registration is $85 at bit.ly/2022beachnaturalists. Scholarships are available for qualifying participants.
The training is designed for all those interested in beaches, marine life and getting involved in stewardship. Participants will be encouraged to volunteer at least 20 hours for marine-related programs over the following year.
“In helping local environmental stewardship organizations, participants extend their learning beyond the training, through surveying Olympia oyster populations, planting rain gardens to mitigate stormwater impacts, and educating public members about our marine environment,” WSU Jefferson County Extension said on its website.
Participants will learn from area experts about Salish Sea zones and tides, seaweeds and sea grasses, inter-tidal species — such as sponges, sea stars, shellfish and crabs — tribal treaty rights and resource management, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and community science opportunities.
Spaces are limited.
For more information, see bit.ly/2022beachnaturalists or contact Monica Montgomery at monica.montgomery1@wsu.edu.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Montgomery at least two weeks prior to the training.
