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Announcements
Introducing new Public Programs Manager Gina Vickrey
Gina Vickrey joined the PTMSC staff this week as our new Public Programs Manager. The Public Programs Manager is responsible for program development and engagement initiatives that expand awareness and participation in the organization and strengthen its relationships with surrounding communities and organizations.
Gina's interest in science dates back to her childhood. It was her favorite subject growing up in Henry, Illinois, and while majoring in biology during college she naturally gravitated to a career in science education.
Gina taught biology, chemistry, environmental science, and integrated mathematics to high school and middle school students during her 22 years as classroom teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bradley University and a Master of Science Education degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Welcome, Gina!
Public Programs Manager Gina Vickrey
Two environmental educators sought
PTMSC is seeking two Environmental Educator AmeriCorps Members to join our team dedicated to conserving the Salish Sea.
As an environmental educator, this role will contribute to the mission of PTMSC by:
Coordinating and participating in a range of citizen science projects with staff, volunteers, and our partners,
Learning about and assisting with animal husbandry in our Aquarium,
Inspiring students and visitors of all ages by developing and delivering environmental education and public programs, and interpreting in the Museum and Aquarium exhibits.
There is a lot happening at PTMSC!
Find more information and the position description here.
Please spread the word!
Talking points about our facilities transition plans for Volunteers
We know that as volunteers for PTMSC you are asked a wide range of questions about our plans for the future. Liesl Slabaugh, our Development & Marketing Director, has put together this linked document with talking points about our upcoming facilities plans.
We hope that you will take a moment to read it, so you have the most current information and can answer the many questions visitors and friends might have -- with confidence!
Are your hours up to date?
So far this year volunteers at PTMSC have recorded an astonishing 3,249 hours of volunteer service in support of our exhibits, educational and citizen science work. That equals 14 hours of volunteer labor for every day this year! If it has been a while since you recorded your hours, please visit here to do so. If you have questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Tracy at volunteer@ptmsc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities
Data entry help needed for Citizen Science project
Citizen Science Coordinator Betsy Carlson is seeking a detail-oriented volunteer to help enter data recently collected during the intertidal monitoring project at Cape George and Kinzie Beach.
This task can be done at home in either MS Excel or Google Sheets. Templates are provided. The work should take about 5-6 hours. Contact Betsy at bcarlson@ptmsc.org if you can help.
Additional low tide walk guides sought for:
Saturday, August 3 at 9:15 a.m.
Sunday, August 18 at 8:45 a.m.
Know your critters? Additional guides are being sought for next Saturday, August 3rd's low tide walk, as well as for the Sunday, August 18th low tide walk.
The low tide is -1.66 ft. at 9:59 a.m. on August 3rd and -2.13 on August 18.
Wear your boots and help visitors identify all that they see! Start at the museum portico and walk to Kinzie Beach. Contact Tracy at volunteer@ptmsc.org if you can help.
Exhibit Volunteers needed!
Our expanded exhibit schedule is drawing around 112 visitors a day and your help is needed, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays! Visit the Current Volunteers tab on our website here to see what shifts are available. Email Tracy at volunteer@ptmsc.org if you can fill a shift or two. Thank you!
(l-r) Ken Morris, Steve Salisbury, Judy Bernard, Linda Martin, Cathy Hutchinson
Aquarium Aide volunteers wanted
We are seeking 3-4 new volunteers to assist with animal care and habitat cleaning in the aquarium. A high quality aquarium exhibit requires a lot of work year-round. Cleaning, feeding, and more cleaning are essential for healthy animals and an impactful experience for visitors and participants.
If you are interested in volunteering in this role please email Aquarium Specialist Allison Nessmith at anessmith@ptmsc.org
Aquarium Aides take care of such critters as this grunt sculpin
Volunteers needed for upcoming Evening at the Aquarium events
Two more Fridays! August 2, August 9 - 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
The weekly Evening at the Aquarium events are held on Friday nights in the aquarium as a way to inform members, friends and volunteers about PTMSC's future and to answer questions folks may have about our plans.
Two volunteers are being sought to help set up, greet and welcome these small groups on August 2nd and 9th. Please contact Tracy at volunteer@ptmsc.org if you are interested/available.
Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home at the Flagship Gallery
Calling all orca fans! PTMSC opened our exhibit Orca: Shared Waters, Shared Home at the Flagship Gallery on Friday, July 26.
This exhibit includes large panels exploring the threats that our Southern Resident Killer Whales and Transient, or Bigg's orcas face, as well as highlighting the differences between the sub-species. Volunteers are sought between 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at the Flagship Landing building at 1001 Water Street.
Study up on your orca facts here at our resources page, and let Tracy know at volunteer@ptmsc.org if you are interested in this volunteer role.
Bigg’s killer whales devour marine mammals—such as this harbor porpoise about to become a meal.
Interpreters needed for the Cape George low tide walk
Tuesday, August 20 - 10:00 a.m.
This year the annual low tide walk sponsored by the Cape George Environmental Committee is on Tuesday, August 20, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. The low tide will be -1.76' at 10:58 a.m. This is a favorite volunteer gig! The low tide walk is open only to Cape George residents and their guests as participants, however.
Volunteers will meet at the Cape George Clubhouse, where committee members will have parking passes available, as well as snacks and drinks!
Email Tracy at volunteer@ptmsc.org if you'd like to help with this low tide walk.
Shore observers sought for kelp research dive
Tuesday, August 13 - 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. - North Beach County Park
Researchers from the University of Washington and the Department of Natural Resources will be diving at North Beach County Park on Tuesday, August 13 to examine the kelp beds there as part of a long-term study of kelp resilience and losses in the Salish Sea.
They are seeking onshore observers during the dive, the volunteer position would entail:
Arrive on time to be present for the dive briefing (i.e. understand dive plan and emergency procedures)
Hang out on the beach with their emergency supplies (O2 kit, first aid kit, AED) during the dive
Have a cell phone and be prepared to call 911 and help direct EMS to the location, if needed
Possibly help researchers schlep gear to and from their entry/exit point
Sit on the beach, read, birdwatch, and/or probably answer questions from curious beachgoers while they are underwater
Importantly, they do NOT require these volunteers to have any sort of first aid/CPR/AED/O2 training. All of their divers have this training and one of them would take the lead on emergency care if needed.
North Beach is a site this research team visits quarterly.
Folks of all abilities and experience levels are welcome! At minimum volunteers need to be able to activate EMS in the event of an emergency, and help out transporting gear to/from the water (if able).
Another fabulous low tide walk, thanks to volunteer guides
Thank you to Jenny Kempe, Rosemary Streatfeild and Charlotte Wells for serving as naturalists on last Sunday's low tide walk, working with AmeriCorps educator Gabe Meyers to create a great experience for the 18 participants. Many nudibranchs were spotted!
Citizen scientists hit the beaches for intertidal monitoring project
Citizen Scientist Coordinator Betsy Carlson led two intertidal monitoring efforts last week on Cape George and Kinzie beaches with the capable help from volunteers Cindy Breed, Nick de Chadenedes, Nan Evans, Lisa Fanning, Jo Ferrero, Jane Guiltinan, Anne Jimenez, Keith Knol, Bob Lemon, Sue Long, Ruth Ross, Shale Shore, Lori VanDeMark and Gail Wellenstein.
This multi-year project’s goal is to collect baseline data on beach characteristics and species composition. Thank you all so much for your time and enthusiasm in assisting with this project!
Sun, sand and quadrats. Volunteers on Kinzie beach collecting data. Betsy Carlson photo.
Repair It! Workshops supported by volunteers
Thank you to Paula Lalish and Jane Peterson for volunteering for the Fix and Sew mending workshop at the Repair It! Gallery space on July 16th.
Thanks also to Dave Ehnebuske, Eric McRae, Scott Templeton, Peter Van Laanen and Nathan Ware for helping with the electronics repair workshop on July 18th. Much appreciated!
Volunteer Jane Peterson assists a visitor with a sewing project at the recent mending workshop. Mandi Johnson photo.
Evening at the Aquarium event
Another Evening at the Aquarium event took place on Friday, July 19, with assistance from volunteers Charlotte Wells and Linda Martin who helped set up, greet, host and docent at the event. Board member Rob Wamstad was also on hand to welcome visitors. Volunteer Sally Davis provided a floral arrangement. The series of eight events are designed to offer personalized updates about PTMSC's transition plans.
A 14-week-old sunflower sea star, about 5 mm in diameter, glides on its outsized tube feet. Jenny Adler for Vox
PTMSC resources for volunteers
Just added! Plenty of sunflower star resources; also, find information about orcas in the Salish Sea, crab identification, and more. Check out PTMSC's exhibit resources page, here.
Volunteer Wendy Feltham's
photo of giant green anemones (Anthopleura xanthogrammica)
Visit the PTMSC Volunteer page on Facebook. This is a private group just for volunteers, and I try to populate it with interesting photos, updates from the marine science world, and of course with the many activities of our fabulous volunteers.
Exhibit Hours
Museum & Aquarium (open by admission) Thursday - Monday 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. (Fort Worden State Park)
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