Earth Day Beach Cleanup, 2026 Bird Cruises, Molt Search Trainings & More!
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North American river otter (Lontra canadensis)
photo by PTMSC Volunteer Wendy Feltham
Octopress Online April 2026
Making Waves Together at The Tides of March
On Saturday, March 21, our community showed up in full force for The Tides of March: Make Waves!—and what an incredible night it was.
Thanks to you, we raised over $100,000 in support of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and our mission to inspire conservation of the Salish Sea.
From the elephant seal articulation to the mesmerizing bioluminescence display, from hands-on microscopes to an interactive map of the Salish Sea and other engaging education stations, the evening was a vibrant celebration of curiosity, learning, and connection. Most of all, it was a testament to what’s possible when this community comes together around a shared commitment to our marine environment.
We are deeply grateful for your generosity and belief in this work. If you were inspired by the evening—or couldn’t join us but want to be part of the impact—there’s still time to make waves.
Join the campaign and make a gift todayto help power the next generation of ocean stewards.
EARTH DAY BEACH CLEANUP
Saturday, April 25 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meet at two locations! Fort Worden State Park and Chimacum Corner Farmstand
This Earth Day, let’s work together to keep our oceans healthy.
In partnership with WA CoastSavers, the PTMSC annual Earth Day beach cleanup brings volunteers together from far and wide to clean the beaches in our area. Volunteers will collect debris and contribute data on their findings to the Ocean Conservancy's international database.
The cruises travel around either Protection Island, part of the Protection Island Aquatic Reserve, or Smith Island, part of the Smith and Minor Islands Aquatic Reserve, at the captain's discretion.
Nearly 70 percent of the nesting seabird population of Puget Sound and the Straits nest at these two islands, including one of the largest nesting colonies of rhinoceros auklets in the world, as well as the largest nesting colony of glaucous-winged gulls in Washington. Protection Island contains one of the last two 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.
Available April thru September, 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--current PTMSC members get a discount!
At PTMSC, our summer day camps allow burgeoning young scientists and adventurers to spend a week exploring beaches, uncovering treasures hidden in our exhibits, playing games, making crafts, and hiking through beautiful Fort Worden State Park.
We still have a couple spots in our June 29th – July 3rd COASTAL EXPLORERS camp. SIGN UP HERE!
a dynamic collaboration between Centrum & the Port Townsend Marine Science Center
Water World image by Centrum & David Conklin
Grades 5 - 6 Sunday, May 17 - Friday, May 22, 2026
WATER WORLD is filled with activities and projects that expand and enhance elementary students’ experience of the marine world through the lenses of both science and art. In collaboration with artists, scientists, and peers from across the state, students integrate scientific investigations with creative writing, movement, and visual art. The result is a multi-faceted, holistic learning experience.
“Water World was amazing because the aquatic learning involves art, movement, and writing allowing for the interests of all of my students. They leave charged up and excited about the learning.”
– Stephanie Agnew, teacher, West Valley City School
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.
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 & Drinks: Grab a treat and a drink from Aldrich’s, then make your way upstairs.
Where: Aldrich’s Mezzanine (2nd floor) 940 Lawrence St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
NEXT MEETINGS:
Move Like Water:
A Story of the Sea and Its Creatures
by Hannah Stowe Sunday, April 12 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Join Port Townsend Marine Science Center for a morning of birding and art!
We’ll start the day in the PTMSC Exhibit at Fort Worden observing some of our bird specimens that are not on display to the public, and learning about scientific illustration. Scientific illustration is about in-depth observation of a particular subject – no art skills required!
Then for the second half of the class we’ll be birding on the beach, keeping an eye out for spring seabirds and practicing some nature journaling while we’re outside (weather permitting).
Birders and artists of all skill levels are welcome. Art supplies and binoculars are provided.
Learn how to identify and report invasive European green crab sightings in the Salish Sea! Join PTMSC in a growing citizen science project called Molt Search, managed by Washington Sea Grant's Crab Team & Washington State University Extension.
At this training you'll learn:
About the threats posed by this invasive species and what's being done about it
How to identify native and European green crabs
How to do a Molt Search and submit your findings through MyCoast
Available training dates & times:
Wednesday, April 22 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Monday, May 4 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 21 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The training takes place at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center Exhibit at Fort Worden State Park (502 Harbor Defense Way) Note: a Discover Pass is required to park at Fort Worden. If you need a temporary parking pass, we can provide one at the start of the training.
Please dress for the weather, wear good walking shoes, and bring something to take notes with if desired.
Exploring light and atmosphere through watercolor field paintings
by Maria Coryell-Martin
May 1 - July 31, 2026
Thursdays - Sundays, 12- 3 p.m.
Free Admission
Donations Welcomed and Appreciated
Currently at the Flagship Landing Gallery:
BULL KELP: Our Remarkable Underwater Forests
Fridays - Sundays
12 - 3 p.m.
This family-friendly traveling exhibit explores the vital worlds of kelp forests just off our shores, highlighting the beauty and critical importance of this ecosystem in the Salish Sea.
This is a combination 3D experience of a bull kelp forest and its creatures, with 7 illustrated interpretive panels, video and sound. The exhibit is suitable for all ages.
Imagine yourself immersed in the fascinating world of a bull kelp forest inhabited by rockfish, anemones, sea stars, and urchins, where harbor seals, orcas, salmon and tufted puffins come to visit, and many other species thrive. This family-friendly 3D exhibit will inspire you to think about the complex structure of this vital nearshore environment and what we need to do to keep our kelp forests healthy for all of us.
Here you can pretend you’re underwater, face to face with all the stunning creatures living in these waters! Learn about the crucial role kelp forests play in our ecosystem, and what actions you can take to help our kelp!
Original mural artwork by Timbul Cahyono. 3D creatures crafted by Mariah Vane. Andrew Whiteman developed and designed this exhibit.
This exhibit is funded in part by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. We also credit Puget Sound Restoration Fund for generous use of assets.
There is no admission fee, though donations are always welcome.
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