Wildside

Weekly

April 10, 2025

Photo: A thank you note from a student at Swift Water Elementary after their STREAM activity night learning about salmon. We love what we do here at Harbor WildWatch!

IN THE FIELD

Chum Fry are Entering the Estuary!

The Chum Salmon that hatched in creeks in early January are now entering the estuary! On one of the Low Tide Tours earlier this month, our Education Director Rachel Easton saw thousand of these small fry. The fish were darting in an out of eelgrass at low tide at Purdy Sand Spit. Eelgrass is well-known for being an important habitat for juvenile fish. Especially salmon, as they journey from freshwater to saltwater.

Several local schools have participated in programs to raise fry in their classrooms as well! Students received salmon eggs from local hatcheries, and cared for them as they grew into fry. Harbor WildWatch has helped some of these schools, as it is now time to release them into local creeks and streams. Harbor WildWatch and the Critter Care Team from Artondale Elementary School released 181 fry into the Artondale creek last week!

ONLINE CONTENT

Research Article: Threatened Sea Stars Are Finding Refuge in BC Fjords

After the devastation of Sea Star Wasting Disease (SSWD) along the West Coast, Sunflower Stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides) were especially an area of concern. As critically important intertidal predators, their declines of over 90% from Alaska to Mexico were alarming.

While disease outbreaks like Sea Star Wasting Disease have been linked to marine heatwaves and rising temperatures, coldwater havens like fjords may be a respite.

Read this article to learn more about the importance of Sunflower Sea Stars and the habitat they have found refuge in:

Threatened Sea Stars Are Finding Refuge in BC Fjords

IN THE FIELD

Summer Camp Registration Through PenMet Parks is OPEN

June 23-27, 10am-2pm

Harbor WildWatch is partnering with PenMet parks for our Salish Sea Scientist Summer Camp! Each day a new space to play as we spend time at 5 different PenMet Parks locations. Campers will compare and contrast a different location each day while learning how to take care of these unique habitats.

Campers will become scientists each day by asking questions, solving problems, and observing the world around them.

Featured Locations Include:

Sunrise Beach

Narrows Park

Demolay Sandspit

Fox Island Fishing Pier

McCormick Forest Park

To register, click on this link (spots are limited!): PenMet Parks Summer Camp Registration

GRATITUDE FEATURE

Putting the FUN in FUNDRAISING

Each week we are highlighting a different funder who has made an impact in our mission here at Harbor WildWatch!

Ocean5, a local business, is a proud supporter of Harbor WildWatch.

Quote from Lindsey about Ocean5: “Ocean5 has been a supporter of Harbor WildWatch since they opened – from providing space for our Cocktails & Fishtales events to regularly donating a portion of their BINGO night sales. Our team loves hosting our annual Make Waves fundraiser at this amazing venue and even have staff outings to bowl and eat their locally sourced food at Table47. It’s so easy to support a local business whose values include environmental sustainability. We are grateful for our partnership with Ocean5 and their amazing staff and leadership! Please join us in supporting this ocean-friendly establishment.” – Lindsey Stover, HWW Executive Director https://o5social.com/

Please join us in giving a big THANK YOU to Ocean5!

Want to Join the Team?

Thinking about becoming a volunteer? It's the perfect time to join! Come to a few volunteer gatherings and trainings before we jump into Beach Walks and other summer programs. Please fill out the application below to sign up as a volunteer.

Please contact our Operations Coordinator Liz if you have any questions.

"Sea" you soon!

Application Form LINK

MARK YOUR CALENDAR*

Science Saturday-

Estuary Mystery!

Marine Life Center

April 19th, 2-3pm

Join Harbor WildWatch for a fun Science Saturday activity at the Marine Life Center! Science Saturdays are FREE with no RSVP required, however space is limited.

Low Tide Beach Tours

During low tides throughout the spring and summer you can find Harbor WildWatch on the beach, ready to show you the incredible sea life that calls the Salish Sea Home. Check out our Website calendar for the full schedule and logistics for each location.

April 27: Dash Point State Park , meet in parking area 10:30am (don't forget your Discover pass!)

April 27: Purdy Sand Spit, meet at 11am at the top of the boat launch

April 28: Manchester State Park, meet on the picnic tables at 11am (Discover or day pass needed!)

April 28: Owen Beach, meet at the picnic tables at 11am

April 29: Dash Point Park & Pier, meet at the pier entrance 11:30am

April 29: Penrose Point State Park, meet near the restroom at 12:30pm (Discover pass needed)

April 30: Fox Island Boat Launch, meet at the top of the boat launch at 1pm

April 30: Sunrise Beach Park, meet on the lawn at 1pm

May 1: Olalla Bay, meet at the top of the boat launch at 1:30pm

May 1: Joemma Beach State Park, meet at the top of the boat launch at 2pm (Discover pass needed)

May 2: Tacoma Narrows Beach Park, meet at the top of the path to the beach at 2:30pm

May 2: Purdy Sandspit, meet at the top of the boat launch at 3pm

Explore the Estuary

Monthly workshop & Tour at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

April 24, 1pm Parking is $3 cash per car

Meet in the covered lookout area near the bathrooms.

Monthly schedule: 4/24, 5/22, 6/19, 7/17, 8/14, 9/18, 10/23, 11/20, 12/18

Salish Sea Storytime

Marine Life Center, Every Wednesday

11:30-12pm

Stories are geared towards kids aged 2-5, but all ages are welcome! Salish Sea Storytime is FREE with no RSVP required.

Feeding Frenzy!

Marine Life Center, Wed-Sun 4pm

Come see aquarists feed our resident Salish Sea critters! Feeding Frenzy is FREE with no RSVP required.

Marine Life Center

3207 Harborview Dr

OPEN Wed - Sunday 11-6pm

Sharks of the Salish Sea Exhibit, Upgraded Aquariums & Touch Tanks & Microscope Display, Scavenger Hunt, and More!

Free Admission

Blue Water Task Force

Monthly Water Quality Results

Community sampling for harmful bacteria, enterococcus.

View results here.

Volunteer Naturalist Training

Rosedale Hall

May 17th, 10:30-4pm

Join the team and learn all about the beach in this full day naturalist training!

*Check website and Facebook event details for possible changes.

Help us spread our message of stewardship for the Salish Sea

by renewing your membership to the Steward Club.

Renew Online Today!

3207 Harborview Drive • Gig Harbor, WA • 98335

(253) 514-0187 • info@harborwildwatch.org

www.harborwildwatch.org