Cozy up to winter birding illustration, MLK Day beachgrass pull, repair events, and so much more!
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A great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
photo by PTMSC Volunteer Wendy Feltham
Octopress Online January 2026
WINTER SEABIRD BIRDING and ILLUSTRATION
Saturday, January 10
10 a.m. - Noon
Fort Worden Aquarium Classroom
Join Port Townsend Marine Science Center for a morning of birding and art! We’ll start the day in the PTMSC Aquarium classroom at 532 Battery Way out on the pier getting to observe some 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, advancing your observation skills around birds - no art skills required!
Then for the second half of the class we’ll be birding out on the marine science center pier, keeping an eye out for winter seabirds and practicing some nature journaling while we’re outside (weather permitting). Birders (and artists!) of all skill levels are welcome. Feel free to bring your own preferred art supplies/binoculars/scopes, art supplies and binoculars provided.
This event is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. RSVP online.
Convene your team and come enjoy a fun night with marine facts, cider, and food. We have 4 rounds of marine trivia sure to both challenge and amaze you!
Teams are encouraged to wear PTMSC apparel, marine inspired apparel, and/or Finnriver apparel to the event.
Entry fee: sliding scale ($5 - $20 per team) with a limit of 6 people per team.
There will be prizes for the winning team!
All proceeds benefit the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Contact Hillary Sanders at hsanders@ptmsc.org with any questions.
LECTURESERIES 2025-2026
Our lectureseries, 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.
Puffins: Beloved Sentinels of Ocean Health
Presentation by
John F. Piatt, Ph.D.
Director, World Puffin Congress
Sunday, January 18
3 p.m.
Wheeler Theater
at Fort Worden Historical State Park
Who doesn’t love Puffins? With their brightly colored parrot-bills, tuxedo plumage, and upright waddle-walk, these iconic seabirds are cherished around the world. Not only are plush toy Puffins found in gift shops everywhere, but their chubby images may also be found on national coins, banknotes and stamps in dozens of countries. Also known as “clowns of the sea”, public lore suggests they live a care-free life of little hobbits in their burrows on idyllic grassy offshore islands. However, the reality is that puffins are athletic, resilient, and voracious marine predators living in an extreme environment for birds. Agile and fast aerial flyers, they also “fly” under water to great depths in pursuit of schooling prey. In this presentation, you will find out why puffins are among the most successful seabird species breeding in the Northern Hemisphere, and how they thrive in remote ocean wildernesses. You will also learn about their “Achille’s heel”, and what is currently the greatest threat to their survival.
John Piatt is a seabird scientist whose career began at seabird colonies in Newfoundland and spanned 37 years with the U.S. Department of the Interior studying seabirds in Alaska. His research on forage fish and their predators has contributed to more than 350 scientific papers and reports, and he has served as a journal editor, professor, and science advisor. Retired from public service in 2024, John is now director of the World Puffin Congress, a nonprofit ocean education organization based in Port Townsend.
To keep this lectureseries 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
MLK DAY OF SERVICE
Monday, January 19
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meet at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center museum portico in Fort Worden State Park at 10 a.m. Address: 200 Harbor Defense Way
We'll be pulling invasive beachgrass north of the pier by Knapp's Circle, so dress for the weather.
Bring work gloves and shovels/pitchforks/hand tools like small shovels/loppers if you have them. We'll have some tools to borrow as well.
Light snacks and water will be provided. Parking is free at Fort Worden for the day, but carpooling is always encouraged.
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. Look at the following events to learn more.
Become a Tool Library member and gain access to over 500 tools, from saws to kitchen gadgets! Discover more information and browse our inventory here!
Hours:
Tuesdays 4 - 7 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 1p.m.
Location:
Jefferson County Fairgrounds 4907 Landes Street
DIVE! Into a Book!
Interested in a marine themed book club?
Now thru February, 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 MEETING:
What a Fish Knows: The Inner Lives of Our Underwater Cousins
The Port Townsend YachtClub is seeking Jefferson County high-school students interested in applying for scholarship funds in post-high school study in fields including Marine Sciences, Marine Systems, Maritime Trades, and Boatbuilding.
Interested? Click the link below to get more details and to find the scholarship PDF. Deadline is February 2, 2026.
PTMSC is proud to host a "Under the Surface of the Salish Sea" at our downtown Flagship Landing Gallery. This exhibit showcases a selection of fiber and textile works inspired by life beneath the waves. Each work is created by a member of Peninsula Fiber Artists, and reflects a unique connection to the local marine environment. The exhibit features two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces, using a variety of materials and techniques that highlight the artistry and creativity of their makers. Works will be available for purchase, with a portion of the sales benefitting conservation programs at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
There is no admission fee, though donations are always welcome.
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