Abby Kaufman's legacy, Eleanor Stopps Aware Nominations Now OPEN, and more!
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California mussel (Mytilus californianus) Photo by PTMSC Volunteer Wendy Feltham
Octopress Online August 2024
SHARE YOUR AQUARIUM MEMORIES
PTMSC is at a grand transitional moment. As we prepare to say goodbye to the aquarium building on the pier and pivot to our exciting future, we want to honor our past in the building where it all started and celebrate the great memories that were made there.
In that spirit we are inviting you to share a story and/or a photo.
Maybe you helped feed a sea urchin kelp, or a sea star a clam?
Perhaps you remember bringing your children or grandchildren to meet one of our resident giant Pacific octopuses: Eleanora, Sylvia, or Kakantu, to name a few?
Or maybe you were a volunteer who helped take care of the animals and have a story of an unexpected or unusual occurrence?
Whatever is your favorite aquarium memory, share it with us at the link below.
We will be including a selection of the responses in a future blog post - stay tuned!
For more information, visit ptmsc.org. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit!
RETURNING EXHIBIT!
"ORCA: Shared Waters, Shared Home"
In the Gallery through September 29
OPEN Friday-Sundays, Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Gallery in Flagship Landing, downtown Port Townsend
This all ages interactive exhibit explores the natural history of the orca species and the extreme challenges facing the Southern Resident orca families that frequent Puget Sound. It features captivating photography by Steve Ringman and others, and stories by author and Seattle Times journalist Lynda V. Mapes about the power, majesty and plight of two endangered – and intertwined – species of the Salish Sea: Southern Resident killer whales and Chinook salmon.
There is no admission fee, though donations are always welcome
SEEKING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATORS
for 2024-2025 AmeriCorps Term!
Inspire students, visitors, and the whole community to explore, experience, connect with, and take action to protect and steward the unique ecosystems of the Salish Sea.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is seeking nominations for the 2024 Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award
This annual Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership 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 has 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.
Join us for a wet, sandy, adventurous, fun-filled week! Campers will spend their days exploring beaches, uncovering treasures hidden in our exhibits, playing games, making crafts, and hiking through beautiful Fort Worden State Park, all while learning to be stewards of the marine environment. Older campers take their marine biology skills to the next level through hands-on activities and scientific investigation. Camps are offered for ages 6 - 14.
In 2016, Abbey moved to Port Townsend and volunteered at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), where she served as a greeter and a docent, volunteered for the auction and helped with mailings and other events.
Abbey’s deep love for PTMSC was recently highlighted when a friend shared a note accompanying a legacy gift Abbey had made to the organization. “It is with great pleasure that I make this donation on behalf of my dear departed friend, Abbey Kaufman. Her love of nature, animals, and her local community were values she realized in volunteering at the MSC. May her memory and her donation be a blessing.”
Nearly 70 percent of the nesting seabird population of Puget Sound and the Straits nest at these two islands, just outside of Port Townsend, 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.
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!
Join us for a guided walk on the beach at low tide with PTMSC naturalists, and witness the unique adaptations for life to survive and thrive in the intertidal zone.
Saturday, August 3 at 9:30 a.m. (-1.66 ft. @ 9:59 a.m.)
Sunday, August 18 at 9:00 a.m. (-2.13 ft. @ 9:31 a.m.)
PTMSC gift cards are now available! Purchase gift cards for your family and friends, in any amount you choose, ($5 minimum.)
Gift cards are available in the Museum gift shop and the downtown Store. Once redeemed, they can be refilled, or turned in at either location to be used as an algae scraper in the Aquarium!
DONATE YOUR VEHICLE
through C.A.R.S. and help out PTMSC
Ready to get rid of an old car while supporting a cleaner planet? We here at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center make charitable car donation so easy! It also feels better when you support the cause you love.
Find all the summer 
PTMSC GIFT CARDS
