Wildside

Weekly

November 22, 2022

IN THE FIELD

Winter Beach Monitoring

Winter is coming. Break out the foul weather gear, put new batteries in your head lamp, and join Harbor WildWatch for an exciting night of community science at the beach! During the winter monitoring months, it just so happens that the lowest tides are during the dark of the night which adds an adventurous twist to our monitoring procedures. Hence, the need for a headlamp. Winter Beach Monitoring is also a great excuse to visit your favorite beaches at night when parks are normally closed. Having extra assistance during these nighttime events makes an incredible difference in our ability to collect information about the organisms living on the beach. Remember, you don't have to have a science background to participate, nor are you required to stay for the entire duration of the typically 3 hour program. Mark your calendar for any or all of these upcoming events (see below) and come do some science with Stena and Mike Behrens!

Because this event is a mix of only the best conditions, COLD, DARK, and WET, here is a list of items to think about having with you: Headlamp, rain coat, rain pants, rain boots, fleece or wool layers, toe warmers, hand warmers, neck gator, hat, gloves, thermos of warm beverage, adventurous attitude!

Since these events are at night, PLEASE RSVP - You can email Stena or RSVP to the Facebook Events.

Saturday, November 26th

10:30 - 2am, Penrose Point State Park: Once you pass the first gate to the park (close the gate behind you if it's not already open), take a right at the "T" in the road. This will lead you to the general parking area. We will meet in the parking lot at 10:30pm. If you arrive later, walk across the grassy field and out onto the beach. Our monitoring site is around the corner to the left (when facing the water).

Interested in camping options this evening?? Email Stena by Friday, November 25, 4pm PST.

Sunday, November 27th

11-2:30am Maple Hollow: This lesser known park includes a hike (less than 1 mile) to the beach. You will turn on Van Beek Road KP N and drive until you see a gate on your left to Maple Hollow Park. Meet at the park entrance before this gate at 11pm. We will close the gate behind us so if you need to arrive later, please coordinate ahead of time with Stena. Once in the park we will follow the "beach access" signs down the hill. Once you reach the end of the trail, there are stairs leading to the beach and our monitoring site is to the right.

4411 Van Beek Road KPN Lakebay, WA 98349

CREATURE FEATURE

We're Still Stuck on Salmon!

What a wonderful weekend! Just as we finished the last tour, we saw two chum making their way up stream. Perhaps they heard about the fin-tastic celebration we were having on their behalf. Thank you to all the volunteers, vendors, and staff who made this Chum Fest the best yet! Photos are still being collected and we will share some highlights soon. If you captured a fun moment, please share via email or facebook @harborwildwatch.

STEWARDSHIP TIP

Salmon Walking Tours

Get to know the unique lives of Pacific Northwest salmon during this exciting guided tour. Taking place during salmon spawning season, participants will likely see live salmon as they migrate upstream to their natal grounds. Topics discussed include:

Salmon species and their life-cycle
Native, non-native, and invasive plants
Threats to salmon and their habitat
Stream health and water quality
Traditional use of natural resources by Indigenous People

Meet near the new Our Fisherman, Our Guardian carving in txʷaalqəł Estuary Park at the scheduled start time:

November 26, 10am & December 3, 2:00pm

MARK YOUR CALENDAR*

Salmon Walking Tours

View spawning salmon and learn all about the struggles they face on their epic journey from Gig Harbor, to the Pacific Ocean and back. Meet near the new Our Fisherman, Our Guardian carving in txʷaalqəł Estuary Park.

November 26 10am

December 3, 2:00pm

Winter Beach Monitoring

Join the Harbor WildWatch team for special night access to various beaches in the South Sound. You don't need a science background to help us collect meaningful data out on the beach but you will need layers and a headlamp, although we do have some to share.

Please check the facebook events for full event details and to RSVP.

Nov. 26, meet at 10:30pm Penrose Point State Park

Nov. 27, meet at 11pm Maple Hollow Park

Dec. 9, meet at 10pm Purdy Sand Spit

Dec. 21 meet at 7:30pm Kopachuck State Park

Dec. 22 meet at 8pm DeMolay Sand Spit

Dec. 23 meet at 8:15pm Sunrise Beach Park

Dec. 26 meet at 11pm Narrows Beach Park

Touch Tanks on the Pier during Christmas Tree Lighting

Skansie Brothers' Park. December 3, 4:30-6:30pm

Pier Into the Night

While you stay warm and dry on the dock, our divers use an underwater video camera to live stream what they encounter below the surface. Staff biologists and trained volunteers identify the sea life that appear on the 10-foot screen in real time.

January 7, 5pm @ Jerisich Dock

February 4, 6pm @ Maritime Pier

March 4, 7pm @ NEW LOCATION TBD

Skansie Visitor &

Interpretive Center

Open Wed - Saturday, 10-4pm

3207 Harborview Drive • Gig Harbor

Pending Volunteer Availability on Weekends

Salmon Observation Station

Write your salmon observations down whenever you view the creek. Now through December, Donkey Creek Park.

*Check website and Facebook event details for possible changes.

Help us spread our message of stewardship for the Salish Sea