Photo: There is a new tank at our downtown Marine Life Center! Our team here at Harbor WildWatch is always working to bring new and exciting exhibits to our community, and this 75 gallon bubble tank is our newest addition. Come see for yourself the critters inside, Wednesday through Sunday 11-6pm! | |
Kicking off Low Tide Tours with some Featured Creatures!
Dates and Locations Listed Below
Join Harbor WildWatch for a fun and educational public beach walk programs on the stunning shorelines of the Salish Sea, running during low tides all summer long! Our knowledgeable and friendly biologists and volunteer naturalists will guide you through a hands-on exploration of the intertidal zone, where you will discover the incredible diversity of marine life that calls our local waters home.
During the program, you'll learn good beach etiquette and get the chance to touch and examine creatures such as sea stars, crabs, and sea anemones, while learning about their unique adaptations and behaviors. You'll also hear about the challenges facing our ocean ecosystems, and what you can do to help protect them.
This beach walk program is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and is perfect for families, school groups, or anyone with an interest in the natural world. Whether you're a seasoned beachcomber or a first-time visitor, Harbor WildWatch's beach walk program is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of our local marine environment.
At our Low Tide Tours that took place this first week of April, guests and staff alike were delighted to see creatures such as Pacific Red Octopus, Spiny Pink Sea Stars, Striped Nudibranchs, various seaweed species, and more! Our next series of Low Tide Tour dates will be the last week of April/first week of May.
To see dates, times, and meeting locations, check out our Upcoming Events below, or head straight to our online calendar!
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How YOU Can Help Water Quality in Puget Sound
With the large amount of precipitation that Washington gets and the close proximity to numerous bodies of water and watersheds, it is easy for contaminants to end up in the water. Most drains; on roadways, in yards, and other places drain straight to the nearest body of water. Although it gets rid of water and puts it where it belongs, things like oils, fertilizers, and dog poop can get washed away with it too. This causes bad water quality and affects the species living in and around the body of water.
Numerous creatures in the Puget Sound, such as clams, filter the water around them to catch food. If the water quality is bad however, it causes harm to the shellfish as well as humans if they consume seafood that has been contaminated. You can help keep our water clean by taking your car to a car wash or cleaning it on grass, fixing car leaks, picking up dog poop, and not using harmful chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides in your yard or house.
For more information, pop into the Harbor WildWatch Marine Life Center open Wednesday-Sunday 11-6!
Harbor WildWatch also monitors water quality in Puget Sound via our monthly Blue Water Task Force report! Keep an eye on our newsletter for those results each month.
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Walking Tours in Downtown Gig Harbor Starting this Month!
Downtown Gig Harbor
Are you a Gig Harbor local, and want to learn more about our environment, activities, and history? Or maybe you're from out of town. Perhaps you have friends or family coming from out of town and want to show them the wonders of Gig Harbor!
Gig Harbor Walking Tours is starting their year round Pints, Myths, and Maritime Spirits Walking Tour this month! Pints, Myths & Maritime Spirits is an interactive and engaging tour that takes attendees on a journey through Gig Harbor's maritime history and lore, starting and ending with local craft beverages (included with walking tour ticket), all while walking just 0.5 mile! Check-in as early as 5pm to enjoy a beverage at Heritage Distilling. The route includes historic sites like Skansie Netshed and provides opportunities to see our working waterfront in action at Harbor WildWatch, Gig Harbor Marina and Boatyard, and the Maritime Pier. Fit for all ages.
Check out their website for dates/times for this tour and others: https://www.ghdwa.org/waterfront-walking-tours
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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!
Bruce and Beth Morse, local community members, are proud supporters of Harbor WildWatch.
Quote from Bruce and Beth: “We are thrilled to support Harbor WildWatch through our donations. The work that Lindsey and her team do for our community and its visitors is truly invaluable. Whether we're assisting with a beach survey, attending a 'Cocktails & Fishtails' event, or visiting the Marine Life Center, we always leave with smiles on our faces and a greater appreciation for the beauty of Puget Sound. The organization's impact on both education and conservation is something we’re proud to back.”
Please join us in giving a big THANK YOU to Bruce and Beth!
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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
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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
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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.
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Help us spread our message of stewardship for the Salish Sea
by renewing your membership to the Steward Club.
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3207 Harborview Drive • Gig Harbor, WA • 98335
(253) 514-0187 • info@harborwildwatch.org
www.harborwildwatch.org
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