Marine Naturalist “Gear Up” Workshop – April 22

Attention Naturalists! Celebrate Earth Day this spring by joining The Whale Museum for its annual Marine Naturalist Gear-Up. This one-day workshop will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Grange Hall in Friday Harbor from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This event is offered as continuing educational training for naturalists already working in the field, graduates of the Marine Naturalist Training Program or Beachwatchers, and members of the Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists (SSAMN). Topics and speakers for the session include: a presentation by Anna Hall from the University of BC about her research with local harbor porpoises, an introduction to the Snohomish County PUD tidal energy project by Jason Wood of The Whale Museum, a presentation about the K.E.L.P. kayaker education program by Karrie Cooper of The Whale Museum, and a discussion about captive orcas by Howard Garrett of Orca Network The day will conclude with a general meeting of SSAMN open to all current and future members.

If you are interested in attending the Gear-Up, please call The Whale Museum (360) 378-4710 ext. 23 for more information. The registration fee is $25. Registration is available now through The Whale Museum website, but will also be available at the door.

Founded in 1979, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. In addition to providing exhibits, the Museum also provides programs including: the Orca Adoption Program, Soundwatch Boater Education, Marine Naturalist Training, San Juan Islands Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and the Whale Hotline. The Whale Museum can be found on-line at:

http://www.whale-museum.org/