From July 18 to Oct. 12, 2025 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 enjoys connecting youth and adults with the wonders of the natural world and uses art as a teaching tool whenever possible. Her favorite part of the job is being a witness to discoveries and connections made by students in the marine environment.
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. She holds a BS in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Washington and has also served at the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge as a Visitor Services and Education intern. When she’s not at PTMSC, Carolyn may be painting, hiking, roller-skating, birding, listening to music or some combination thereof.
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!
August 2 open 5 – 8 p.m.
(Carolyn will be in attendance!)
NOW OPEN!
COMMUNITY TOOL LIBRARY
Located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds
TUESDAYS: 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
SATURDAYS: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
What is a Tool Library?
Tool libraries (aka “Libraries of Things” or a “Lending Library”) are just like your public library, but instead of offering books, they offer tools and other useful supplies to borrow when you need them! They are based on the simple idea that we don’t all need to own everything we use and that through sharing, we can build community.
Space is limited on the summer low tide walks. Registration is required to guarantee your place. Spaces that open up on the day of the event will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
photo by Wendy Feltham
PUFFIN CRUISES
Sign up today!
Birdwatching cruises with Puget Sound Express are on our website!
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 October 2025, 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.
The Future of Oceans lecture series draws on the commitment of professional researchers and educators across all academic spectrums to help define and inspire the health of our oceans.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the latest videos!
Thanks to the Darrow Family for their ongoing support
STORE AND GALLERY HOURS
With the Museum at Fort Worden State Park closed for remodeling, we encourage you to check out our website (and future editions of this newsletter) for upcoming programs!
Fort Worden State Park 1001 Water St.
Thursday thru Monday Noon – 5 p.m.
Downtown Port Townsend 1001 Water St.
Store
Thursday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday & Monday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Gallery
Friday - Sunday, noon - 3 p.m.
Join us for First Saturday Gallery Walk! August 2, open 5 – 8 p.m.
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.
