Wildside

Weekly

June 26, 2025

Photo: This Thursday, we had a special activity at our Farmer's Market Booth to celebrate the last hurrah of Orca Month! Our naturalist expert Bri, who runs our Orca Deep Dive Booth on Wednesdays, led a lesson on how to draw orcas. To join us for other fun activities, stop by our Farmer's Market Booth on Jerisich Dock, Thursdays 1-3pm.

IN THE FIELD

Summer Camp Success!

Harbor WildWatch is partnered with PenMet parks for our Salish Sea Scientist Summer Camp! Each day has been new space to play as they spend time at 5 different PenMet Parks locations this week. Campers have been comparing and contrasting a different location each day while learning how to take care of these unique intertidal habitats.

These campers are becoming junior scientists each day by asking questions, solving problems, and observing the world around them. From activities like exploring the beach, to crab molt surveys, to learning about salinity and estuary habitats, these campers are certainly "diving" right in!

While their last day is Friday, these campers have learned skills and scientific inquiry methods that will stay with them long past that. Here at Harbor WildWatch, its important to us to inspire stewardship in the scientists and naturalists of tomorrow by providing learning opportunities to our community.

This is our only Summer Camp, but if you would like to bring your kids to similar educational programs this summer, check out our online calendar: https://harborwildwatch.org/calendar

IN THE FIELD

Dive into History

July 10th, 6-8:30pm

Foss Waterway Seaport

Join Harbor WildWatch and Foss Waterway Seaport for the third installment of Foss Waterway Seaport’s Thursdays on Tap, a 21+ quarterly event series! Come down to the Seaport on July 10th and take a dive into the natural history of our region. A diver from Harbor WildWatch will be diving with a camera in Foss Waterway during the event, with naturalists interpreting the live feed. Foss Waterway Seaport will also be highlighting their dive exhibit with artifacts from Jacque Cousteau, Ernest Hemingway, and more. Grab a drink and learn about diving in Puget Sound!

Price: MEMBERS ATTEND FREE! Current membership with either Foss Waterway Seaport or Harbor WildWatch required at the time of the event. If you would like to RSVP ahead of time, please email education@fosswaterwayseaport.org with the names of members that will be in attendance.

To be a member are support the Seaport, visit their website: https://fosswaterwayseaport.org/support-foss-waterway-seaport

To become a member and support Harbor WildWatch, visit: https://harborwildwatch.org/donations-memberships/

Non-member tickets are $5 per person. Purchase tickets here: https://events.cocoatickets.com/foss-waterway-seaport/thursdays-on-tap-july-10-2025

Please contact the Foss Waterway Seaport Education team with any questions: educations@fosswaterwayseaport.org

253-272-2750 ext.103

EVENT IS 21+, NO MINORS WILL BE ADMITTED. We love kids, just not for this event.

Food and drinks will be for sale on site.

IN THE FIELD

Low Tide Tour Series, Wrapping up for June

Various Dates and Time. Please check the "Mark Your Calendar Section" Below.

Join Harbor WildWatch for a fun and educational public beach walk program on the stunning shorelines of the Salish Sea. 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.

Guests joining us for the experience will learn about the different beach habitat types, as well as good beach etiquette. Being a good GUEST at the beach is paramount to making it a good experience for you, and the animals at the beach.

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.

We have two more beach walks this week to wrap on June. Both on June 28th, Titlow beach at 1pm and Penrose Point State Park at 1:30pm. If you can't make it to these, don't worry, our Low Tide Tours will be running through August!

To see dates, times, and meeting locations, check out our Upcoming Events below, or head straight to our online calendar!

Want to Join the Team?

Thinking about becoming a volunteer? It's the perfect time to join! Come learn with us as 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*

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.

June 26: Sunrise Beach Park, meet on the lawn near the parking area at the top of the hill, 11:30am.

June 28:Titlow Beach, we will meet near the picnic tables at the entrance to the beach, 1:00pm.

June 28: Penrose Point State Park, meet on the lawn near the restroom, 1:30pm.

Dock Walks at the Farmer's Market

Jerisich Dock, Thursdays 2pm

Join Harbor WildWatch for a fun and informational booth at Jerisich Dock from 1-3pm on Thursdays with the Waterfront Farmer's Market! Each week will be a different theme, including topics like backyard habitats and marine mammals. Then, explore the creatures that live on, under, and around our dock during a Dock Walk at 2pm.

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

Explore the Estuary

FREE Monthly workshop & Tour at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for all ages

May 22, 1pm Parking is $3 cash per car

Meet in the covered lookout area near the bathrooms.

Monthly schedule: 7/17, 8/14, 9/18, 10/23, 11/20, 12/18

Wonders of the Waterfront Walking Tours

Donkey Creek Park

10-12pm

Discover the incredible diversity of life that is present locally and explore the natural and cultural history of Gig Harbor! Tour the waterfront from sidewalks to forest trails to ocean views on this free, family-friendly tour.

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.

*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!