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A fried-egg jelly (Phacellophora camtschatica) - a particularly spooky denizen of our Salish Sea. Photo by PTMSC Volunteer Wendy Feltham
Octopress Online October 2024
MARINE HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES
Friday, October 18 - Sunday, October 20
Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27
Friday, November 1 - Sunday, November 3
Noon - 5 p.m. each day
Museum & Aquarium Fort Worden
Celebrate marine science and Halloween for three upcoming weekends in the Museum and Aquarium at Fort Worden.
We’ll have special activities and games for kids of all ages, including a spooky scavenger hunt and the opportunity to create your own unique marine creature using crafty materials.
We hope to see you then…if you dare!
artwork by Timbul Cahyono
FLAGSHIP LANDING GALLERY EXHIBITS
ORCA: Shared Waters, Shared Home
EXTENDED! In the Gallery through October 13
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
Coming to the Gallery November 1:
Inspired by Sea & Science:
The Fiber Art of Carla Stehr
November 1, 2024 - February 2, 2025
Carla Stehr grew up in Olympia, exploring Puget Sound beaches and looking for ‘cool’ things like shells with delicate patterns. Her obsession with intertidal life motivated her to become a marine biologist, where her scientific work included studying fish and plankton with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The remarkable microscopic patterns she saw inspired her to explore art. Meanwhile, making a traditional quilt led her to discover that fabric could be assembled in amazing ways and a sewing machine could be used to draw. Stitch, fabric, dye, and paint became her favorite art materials. Carla’s SEM photographs have been published and exhibited in scientific and educational venues. Her fiber art has been juried into several national and international exhibits. Carla retired from science but continues to combine her scientific background and fascination for natural patterns in her art, much of which is based on her SEM photographs. Other works are similarly inspired by the colors and textures of marine life often not easily seen. Carla’s work reminds us to look for and savor Salish Sea details.
PTMSC’s family-friendly traveling exhibit, “Bull Kelp: Our Remarkable Underwater Forests” is currently on display at the Sea Discovery Center in Poulsbo. The 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 three-dimensional experience of a bull kelp forest and its creatures includes seven illustrated panels, as well as video and sound, and is suitable for all ages.
Learn more about where you can find this traveling exhibit:
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 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. We also credit Puget Sound Restoration Fund for generous use of assets.
LECTURE SERIES 2024-2025
Our lecture series, The Future of Oceans, draws on the commitment of professional researchers and educators across all academic spectrums to help define and inspire the health of our oceans.
The Unsung Roles of Crabs and Shrimps
Presented by
Greg Jensen
School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington
Sunday, October 27, 3 p.m.
Fort Worden Chapel
Crabs and shrimps are some of the most familiar (and tasty) denizens of the deep, yet their lifestyles and the ecological roles that they play are often dramatically different from their public personas. Greg Jensen will dispel some of the myths and misconceptions about these fascinating animals and share observations, photos, and video of unexpected and unique behaviors that will change your perception about crustaceans and give you a new appreciation for their varied roles in marine ecosystems.
To keep this lecture series accessible to all, regardless of the ability to pay, there is no set charge for these lecture events; however, donations are always welcomed and appreciated.
Thanks to the Darrow Family for their ongoing support
WHAT'S IN THE TRAP?
Larval crab trap project is a volunteer favorite!
The sweeping view of the crescent beach at Fort Worden State Park greets the folks who volunteer for the larval Dungeness crab monitoring project.
Volunteer Corinne Humphrey has participated in the project “all three years since I moved to Port Townsend ... I like hands-on learning—it makes me feel more connected and useful,” Humphrey continued.
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!
Repair Events are free community gatherings where individuals can bring their broken belongings to be repaired by local volunteers with a variety of skills and knowledge. Our crew of volunteers can do repairs ranging from rewiring a floor lamp or figuring out why the suction on your vacuum has suddenly stopped to mending a torn fabric item.
These events spark connections within the community through the exchange of valuable mending and repair knowledge – all while diverting personal possessions from the landfill!
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.
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