Wildside

Weekly

December 13, 2022

STEWARDSHIP HIGHTLIGHT

Water Quality


Community science for the WIN and a BIG thanks to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department for making a High Bacteria Advisory public. Every month (Sept-May) Harbor WildWatch teams up with South Sound Surfrider to test our local waterways for harmful bacteria. This sampling is conducted by the rad crew of water sampling volunteers aka, THE Blue Water Task Force mentioned in the advisory issues December 13th at 11:45am. Included in this team is the Science and Math Institute Highshool, which makes the lab analysis possible. Hopefully this poo issue will be resolved soon and we can get back to recreating safely in the Thea Foss Waterway.


For more info on the advisory: https://www.tpchd.org/Home/Components/News/News/328/286?backlist=%2F

IN THE FIELD

Presenting an Experimental Olympia Oyster Restoration at the Restore America's Estuaries Conference in New Orleans, Dec 4-8th


What a treat to travel across the country to the Restore America's Estuaries Conference to share our work participating in an experimental Olympia oyster restoration out at Penrose Point State Park. This project happened In partnership with Pacific Lutheran University professor Mike Behrens, students from PLU, UWT, and volunteers from Harbor WildWatch. This dream team made some really cool science happen with funding from the Puget Sound National Estuary Program, Pierce County, the Coastal Conservation Association, and the Rose Foundation. While, Hozoji Matheson-Margullis and Stena Troyer presented on behalf of the team at the conference, YOU can see what you missed out on by watching this excellent video project recap made by Vester Media.

IN THE FIELD

Winter Beach Monitoring - Wraps up NEXT Week!

There's only one way to ensure that your holiday season is BEACHY and BRIGHT! Break out the foul weather gear, put new batteries in your head lamp, and join Harbor WildWatch for an exciting night (or nights!) 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.

Wednesday, December 21


7:30 - 10:30pm Kopachuck State Park: We will meet in the upper lot at the scheduled start time and carpool down to the lower parking area (through a locked gate). If you arrive late, enjoy the hike down the hill and head to your left (when facing the water) when you get to the beach. The monitoring site is between two large boulders that are exposed during low tide but you'll probably see the headlamps first!


10712 56th St NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Thursday, December 22


8-11pm DeMolay Nature Preserve/Fox Island Sand Spit/Bella Bella Beach: This is a beach with many names. Meet at the park gate at the end of Bella Bella Drive at the scheduled start time.  There is additional parking in a lot up the hill and to the right. If you arrive late, walk down the driveway to the beach, the monitoring location is to your left.


53 Bella Bella Dr, Fox Island, WA 98333

Friday, December 23


8:15- 11:15pm Sunrise Beach Park: Sunrise beach is a turnoff to the left from Moller Drive NW. We will meet in the parking area near an old garage and portable bathroom. There is a small hike down a hill to the beach. The monitoring site is near the beach entrance, you can't miss us! Meet in the parking area at the scheduled start time. 


10015 Sunrise Beach Dr NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332

Monday, December 26


11pm - 2am Tacoma Narrows Park: Meet at the top of the hill, before the entrance gate, at the scheduled start time. We will close the gate behind us (~10min after scheduled start time) so please arrive on time or coordinate with Stena for other arrangements. Despite the name, this park is on the Gig Harbor side of the bridge. Through the gate, you will enjoy a tree-rich drive winding down to the parking area. As you walk down the concrete path to the beach, our monitoring site is a ways down the beach to your right (when facing the water).


1502 Lucille Pkwy NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

MARK YOUR CALENDAR*

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.

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


Salmon Observation Station

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

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 - want to become a volunteer? Email Stena!



*Check website and Facebook event details for possible changes.

**Discover Pass Required for State Parks

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3207 Harborview Drive • Gig Harbor, WA • 98335   

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

www.harborwildwatch.org

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