Plus we're taking nominations for the Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award!
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UPDATED LINK
In the last version of our Octopress September 2025 edition, the "Sign Up" link for the September 20 International Coastal Cleanup Day was an incorrect link.
I've updated the link below in the story-- you can also go directly to the sign-up page here:
We regret the error. Thank you for continuing to subscribe! Brian Kay PTMSC Marketing & Development Coordinator
A tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) spotted on a recent Puffin Cruise. We still have two more sailing dates to spot these magnificent creatures! Read on for details on how to sign up.
photo by PTMSC Volunteer Wendy Feltham
Octopress Online September 2025
PTMSC at WOODEN BOAT FEST!
It's the Wooden Boat Festival this weekend, September 5-7!
Did you know that there is a Marine Science Stage at the festival? Come hear from experts on invasive crabs, pinto abalone conservation, plankton, whales, and more! PTMSC will have microscopes on hand all day so you can take a closer look at life beneath the hull.
On International CoastalCleanup Day, volunteers from around the world will work together to keep our oceans and the life in them as healthy and diverse as possible. In partnership with Washington CoastSavers, Port Townsend Marine Science Center will be hosting 2 beachcleanups for you to participate in! Join us at either of our check-in locations: Fort Worden State Park or Chimacum Corner Farmstand.
Check-in Locations: At these you will be given directions to beach locations and supplies like trash bags and gloves.
Fort Worden State Park:
From 9am-1pm, you will find our check-in table outside the PTMSC Building (502) on the shore, across from the pier.From here, we will be sending participants to local beaches throughout Port Townsend.
Chimacum Corner Farmstand:
From 9am-1pm, you will find our check-in table in the parking lot at 9122 Rhody Dr. Look for our signs and pop-up tent! From here, participants will be sent to beaches throughout the Greater Port Hadlock area.
Return to your check-in location:
Return and we will weigh your accomplishments and you'll receive a $5 Gift Card for the PT Food Coop.
Register on the WA CoastSavers website:
For more details on each location, visit the registration pagehere! Register for either the Fort Worden State Park or Chimcaum Corner Farmstand cleanup check-in location.
Thanks to our amazing sponsor PT Food Coop for their support! And thank you to Olympic Disposal for their donated trash services!
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is seeking candidates for the 2025 Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award.
This annual award recognizes significant contributions in the protection and stewardship of the natural environment of the North Olympic Peninsula. The award pays tribute to Eleanor Stopps, whose vision, advocacy and determination exemplify the power and importance of community leadership.
The Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award is given annually to a resident (groups not eligible) of the North Olympic Peninsula (Jefferson and Clallam counties) who has:
Led a successful resource conservation effort that benefits the North Olympic Peninsula and its residents directly
Acted as a community catalyst for programs, initiatives or ventures that demonstrate a commitment to the future of the earth and its biodiversity
Become a model for future leaders in business and education; or been an exemplary community member or policy maker who has implemented decisions that, though they may entail risks, have helped our communities take the next step towards environmental sustainability
Nominations must be submitted by email by Monday, September 22, 2025.
REPAIREVENTS!
Join us for our free community gatherings in which people with repair skills share their time and talents to fix their neighbors’ belongings.
Bring your toaster that no longer toasts, sweater with a hole in the elbow, and excitement to get these belongings repaired while also learning how they did it and ways you could do it yourself next time!
Limit of 2 items per person. If you know the specific part needed to repair your item, we ask that you bring it along. Look at the following events to learn more.
UPCOMING IN-PERSON REPAIREVENTS:
Port Hadlock RepairEvent
Sunday, September 28
1 – 4:00 p.m. Jefferson County Public Library (Hagen Building)
Brinnon RepairEvent
Saturday, October 18
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Brinnon Community Center
Port Townsend RepairEvent
Saturday, November 1
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Jefferson County Fairgrounds – in the 4-H building
Thank you to those who made it out this year's summer auction!
According to the official counting, we raised $129,250 at this year's auction with about 90 guests and a few people who sent in generous donations but couldn't attend.
If you didn't make it out to the event but are interested making a donation, please check out our donation page.
Until Oct. 12, PTMSC's Flagship Gallery is hosting The Nature Journals of Carolyn Woods, an exhibit showcasing a selection of watercolor work that Carolyn has created in a series of sketchbooks over the last several years. Original works and enlarged prints reflect a range of subjects along with details noted in the field about the place, plant or animal observed. Examples of her sketchbooks and traveling painting tools, from bottle caps to Altoids tins, are also on display.
As the PTMSC Education Manager, Carolyn Woods enjoys sharing her passion for conserving the Salish Sea with students through school programs and summer camps at PTMSC. Carolyn has worked at Port Townsend Marine Science Center in various roles since 2014, including serving as a Marine Mammal Stranding Network intern and a term as an AmeriCorps member.
Visitors to the exhibit can sketch from a changing selection of PTMSC natural history collections such as shells, bones, birds, and fossils, and share their work on a community wall throughout the run of the show.
Carolyn's work can be found on Instagram at @seewoods99
There is no admission fee, though donations are always welcome.
Join us for First Saturday Gallery Walk!
September 6 open 5 – 8 p.m.
PUFFIN CRUISES
Sign up today!
Birdwatching cruises with Puget Sound Express are on our website! Last sailings for this season on 9/6 and 9/13
Nearly 70 percent of the nesting seabird population of Puget Sound and the Straits nest at these two islands, just outside of Port Townsend. Protection Island contains one of the last 2 nesting colonies of tufted puffins in the Puget Sound area. About 1,000 harbor seals rely upon the island for a pupping and rest area.
These cruises are hosted by seasoned PTMSC naturalists and interpreters who provide excellent commentary on the natural history of the island and the birds and wildlife sighted. Sign up for a cruise today!
Now thru December, PTMSC invites you to join our dive into a variety of marine related topics! Get lost in titles that bring the evocative sea right to you. Through communication and connection, we can explore the ways in which the ocean intertwines us all.
Meet: Once per month to openly discuss each title.
Food: Potluck! Bring something to share, or just for yourself.
Drinks: Bring your choice of cozy beverage.
Where: Aquarium Classroom, 532 Battery Way. Located at the end of the pier in Fort Worden.
As a member, you support PTMSC's work for a healthy Salish Sea, plus you get discounts on programs and a 10% discount on every purchase in both gift shops.
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