What Kind of Change Maker are You?

There are countless ways for each of us to Go Blue! by sharing our individual environmentally friendly "green" practices with our friends and communities.

One quick and easy way you can Go Blue! right now is to spread the word about GiveBIG on Tuesday, May 3 and help us reach our $15,000 fundraising goal. Your gift supports our mission and programs, and thanks to a group of amazing local donors, any contribution you make will be matched dollar-for-dollar!

Looking for other ways to Go Blue? Take this 7-question quiz at Story of Stuff to find out what kind of change-maker you are. Then visit our exhibits to see what sorts of changes you can help make towards a healthier ocean in your local community!

When I interviewed Amy yesterday, she decided that she was a Communicator:

"I think I'm a Communicator. I like being creative with the way I tell stories: whether with photography, art, or dance, I love figuring out how to connect all our volunteers with our different programs!"

Communicators use creativity to share knowledge, remind people how we're all
connected, and spread news and ideas to other changemakers.

When I went through the exhibit myself, I realized that I'm also a communicator!

Find out whether you're a Communicator, Builder, Resister, Networker, Nurturer, or Investigator to help inform the sorts of Go Blue! actions you can take to help your community be more sustainable!

These volunteers might very well be "Nurturers," providing support and care,
having a source of strength so large that it can be shared with others when they need it,
and always being ready, able and willing to help. Like when a seal shows up downtown!

Did you take the quiz? Please let us know in the comments what kind of change-maker you are!

And remember, even sharing this post is a Go Blue! action!

—

ALISON RILEY is the marketing and development coordinator at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Next Tuesday, May 3, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center is trying to raise $15,000 for our mission and programs through GiveBIG, a one-day, online charitable giving event hosted by the Seattle Foundation, but we can't do it without your help! Thanks to a challenge match from a group of local donors, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar before being stretched even further by the Seattle Foundation! Schedule your gift today!

Go Blue! Profile: Amy Johnson

I sat down with Port Townsend Marine Science Center Volunteer Coordinator Amy Johnson to find out what inspires her to Go Blue! We invite you to Go Blue with us next Tuesday, May 3 during GiveBIG. 

What do you like to do outside of work?
I love walking up through Fort Worden after work, down into the Chinese Gardens and seeing how everything changes from one day to the next. I've been trying to use my camera to look at things in new ways, from different perspectives. Finding new ways of connecting with my surroundings and with people really motivates me.

What is your personal relationship with the Salish Sea?
I grew up here and I think all my paths coalesce around marine science. It started back in kindergarten. My kindergarten teacher was my favorite teacher. She had some background in marine biology and would bring marine biologists into our class to talk to us about whales. I didn't realize that's where my relationship with the Salish Sea started until I was 22 and dropped a political theory class to take "Marine Diversity and Conservation" and remembered that I had always thought marine science is freaking cool!

Any highlights or best memories from studying marine sciences?
We did a field trip to Friday Harbor to do some "night-lighting" [also known as "Friday Harbor TV"] where you put a flashlight underwater and see what creatures come up to inspect it. One of the creatures was this crazy iridescent alien folding itself in half and bending and opening and my teacher told me to smell it. It smelled like fake watermelon — I was totally fascinated.

Melibe leonina, the hooded nudibranch, secretes a sweet, watermelon smell

What aspect of the Marine Science Center's work resonates with you?
For me, our education programs. I am forever a teacher and a learner. I will teach people randomly at the bar about plankton. Inspiration is the first step to conservation, and to be inspired by something, you have to have an awareness of it. So, seeing the students who come through our education programs become aware and inspired by the Salish Sea is the key, for me.

Can you tell me about a moment of awe you've experienced on the Salish Sea?
I was on a research team measuring Orcas' hormone levels by collecting orca stool samples. We'd follow a pod of Orcas flukeprint to flukeprint, always trying to stay two flukeprints away, looking for this mucousy stuff [the stool] on the surface.

At one point, we were suddenly right above them, so we turned our motor off and waited. A huge Chinook Salmon swam under the boat followed directly by an Orca that was hunting it. Seeing the scale of this giant salmon next to the nose of the Orca ... it was this moment of complete awe. I was stunned. That feeling — there are no words. Orcas are incredible, incredible animals.

What inspires you to Go Blue?
The Salish Sea is an amazing estuary and ecosystem — I can't stress how important it is. I also can't imagine our region without Orcas. When we lost those six in such a short amount of time — one, and then another, and another, I could barely face the idea of losing them. I remember thinking at the time, "what if we can't turn this around?"

What Kind of Change Maker are you?
I think I'm a Communicator. I like being creative with the way I tell stories: through photography, art, dance, and I love figuring out how to connect all our volunteers with our different programs!

Communicators use creativity to share knowledge, remind people how we're all
connected, and spread news and ideas to other changemakers.

Why do you think it's important to Go Blue?
By turning your "green actions" [loving and understanding the importance of plankton] into "blue actions" [teaching someone else about the importance of plankton] you might inspire someone else to do a "blue action" too!

In our Be a Toxic Free Zone exhibit, Amy elevates her
"green action" (buying a non-flame-retardant pillow)
into a "blue action" (encouraging me to do the same!)

—

ALISON RILEY is the marketing and development coordinator at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Next Tuesday, May 3, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center is trying to raise $15,000 for our mission and programs through GiveBIG, a one-day, online charitable giving event hosted by the Seattle Foundation, but we can't do it without your help! Thanks to a challenge match from a group of local donors, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar before being stretched even further by the Seattle Foundation! Schedule your gift today!

Learning from Whales

"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountains and the sea, are excellent school masters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books" —John Lubbock

After months of cold, dark, windy days, the warmth has finally arrived. I find myself looking for more excuses to stay outside and explore everything from the woods to the sea. I'm noticing flowers blooming and birds singing, all new species to me as a newcomer to the Pacific North West. But one this is for sure, with the warmth comes the familiar creatures that I have known and loved for as long as I can remember — whales.

 After almost two hours of not seeing any whales,
 we came across this Humpback Whale lobtailing
 (slapping its fluke on the ocean surface)

Every day I scan the horizon looking for whales — their great exhale or their tall dorsal fins. And while I am excited for Orcas and Grey Whales to be swimming through the Puget Sound, I am most excited to see the Humpback Whales.

Dyad.
This was the first Humpback Whale I identified off of the fluke patterns
Photo Credit: Blue Ocean Society

In the summer of 2012, I was working on a whale watching boat out of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, recording whale behavior and educating the passengers. With each trip out to sea, my love for the ocean grew deeper (as deep as the Mariana Trench!). I learned not only about these wonderful creatures, but how connected they are to their surroundings. I was finally able to apply what I had learned in school to the real world. From then on, my curiosity and desire to learn more about the ocean led me to where I am today. With every job and every move, I become engulfed in a new ecosystem with all of its critters.

Pinball (Left) and another Humpback whale.
Photo Credit: Blue Ocean Society

So as each spring comes, and the whales start coming in, I always think back to that summer on the boat where it all began. While I won't recognize any of the patterns on the underside of Pacific Humpbacks' caudal fins, I am excited to learn the individuals on the West Coast.

—

KATIE CONROY is the Marine Mammal Stranding Educator and an AmeriCorps member serving at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Next Tuesday, May 3, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center is trying to raise $15,000 for our mission and programs through GiveBIG, a one-day, online charitable giving event hosted by the Seattle Foundation, but we can't do it without your help! Thanks to a challenge match from a group of local donors, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar before being stretched even further by the Seattle Foundation! Schedule your gift today!

Together We Can Make an Impact

Katie and Zofia Go Blue! by teaching a workshop on DIY toxic-free
household cleaners and personal care products

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center invites you to help us raise $15,000 for our mission and programs through GiveBIG, a one-day, online charitable giving event hosted by the Seattle Foundation.

GiveBIG takes place on Tuesday, May 3 this year. Our theme is Go Blue! Together we can make an impact!

This year, you can schedule your gift in advance.

Thanks to a challenge match from a group of local donors, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar before being stretched even further by the Seattle Foundation!

Your gift allows us to train volunteers and inspire visitors to make a collective impact with our Gone Green? Go Blue! exhibits, continue to monitor the health of local sea star populations, and teach students and visitors how to "be a toxic-free zone."

Spring (and spawning season) is here! Check out this spawning blood star —

an exciting end to our opening weekend of the Marine Exhibit.

All funds raised during the GiveBIG campaign directly support the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Thank you for being a champion of ocean health and conservation.

The GiveBIG campaign only lasts for one day, so please help us in raising $15,000 on Tuesday, May 3.

—

Want to Go Blue right now? Get a jumpstart on your collective action by joining PTMSC and the Port Townsend Food Co-Op for a community beach clean up, this Saturday, April 23! Learn more and get a $5 food voucher for the co-op.

What Inspires You?

Every day that I come in to serve at the Marine Science Center I try to find something that inspires me to do the work I do and enjoy my day. Often, it's the gorgeous view of the Marine Science Center pier and Point Wilson, with water and mountains in the distance. Other times, it will be a conversation with one of my fellow AmeriCorps team members. Sometimes I take a fresh look through our collections, examining a plant or animal that I don't often pay close attention to.

Last week, I was inspired by some of the new animals in our tanks, as I always am! I followed my natural impulse to draw what inspires me and ended up doing a few portraits of our new fish in the Piling Tank. Spending time observing these fish motivated me to learn more about them — I didn't know before I started painting it that the Painted greenling can hide in fish-eating anemones without getting stung, but now I do!

My models: a black-eyed goby, painted greenling, and buffalo sculpin 

Now that the Marine Exhibit is open again, you can come by to learn more about these fish and all the other awesome plants and animals we have in our collections. Maybe you will find something that inspires you!

There are also lots of beaches around the Marine Science Center and in Port Townsend to explore, with more plants and animals to look at now that there are low tides during the day (and good weather to enjoy them). I went out to North Beach a couple weeks ago to do some tidepooling and found a great variety of kelp to journal about.

If you decide to go tidepooling, don't forget to check the tides and follow Tidepool Etiquette while you are on the beach! 

—

CAROLYN WOODS is the Natural History Exhibit and Volunteer Educator and an AmeriCorps Member serving at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Volunteer Spotlight: Dennis Cartwright

Dennis Cartwright wears many hats: Sound Toxins Volunteer, Sea Star Monitoring Guru, Sensaphone First Responder, Sea Urchin Husbandry Expert, On-Call Aquarist, and Puppy Wrangler to name just a few. He navigates between these varied roles with ease, grace, and a constant smile. Below is a conversation we had yesterday, with a liberal addition of editor’s notes.

How long have you been a Marine Science Center volunteer?
A year and a half.
[After only 16 months, Dennis has racked up an impressive 250 volunteer hours.]

Are you a member of the Marine Science Center?
Yes.

And how’s the puppy?
The puppy is a monster. It learned how to hide things in pots the other day. And it knows that I eat cheerios every morning. I pour my cereal into the bowl over the kitchen floor so every morning, we both get cheerios for breakfast.

In what capacity to you volunteer here? Or maybe the better question is in what capacity don’t you volunteer here?
Sound Toxins, Sea Star Wasting, HomeCrew, and miscellaneous maintenance stuff.
[Examples of the aforementioned mysterious, miscellaneous maintenance: replacing rusty cables with high-quality line, removing live decorator crabs from the plumbing, and assuring me that yes, that sea star is fine.]

What aspect of the Marine Science Center’s work resonates with you?
Citizen Science.
[Dennis demonstrates his commitment to our Citizen Science program by regularly braving the wind and waves of Discovery Bay to collect plankton samples.]

What was your favorite day of volunteering so far?
Hm, I don’t know. That’s a tough one.

The day the new crop of AmeriCorps arrived, right?
Well, that actually was a great day. You know what the best day was? When you got into graduate school. And then again when Zofia got into graduate school. We’re all so happy for you. Did I ever tell you about seeing Bromus tectorum seeds walk?
[At this point, Dennis and I veered off into a conversation about awns and hydrostatic action and invasive terrestrial plants. I’ll spare you the details. Suffice it to say, wonderful, scientific distractions like this one are a regular part of my interactions with Dennis.]

What is your personal connection to the Salish Sea?
I started sailing on the Schooner Adventuress in 2003. My daughter started working with them and then she got me involved. You know, I grew up on Long Island Sound and then spent too many years inland [at Washington State University]. Coming to Port Townsend was almost like coming back to the water. [Here Dennis clearly wanted to say, “almost like coming home” but he could not bring himself to be even the littlest bit sentimental.]

Can you tell me about a particular experience of awe you’ve had with the Salish Sea?
Yes. I was spending some time at Friday Harbor Labs, taking photos to use in my Intro Biology slides. I was out taking a walk by myself one evening when I heard the strangest noise. I couldn’t figure out what was making it, so I followed the sounds all the way to the beach. Then, suddenly, a pod of orcas surfaced, only 50 feet away from the shore. And this was the first time I had ever seen orcas. It was misty and foggy and they surfaced so close. I’d call it mystical. [and I’d call it MIST-ical. But I’m far too punny for Dennis].

That sounds incredible.
The guy I was rooming with was so mad. [Dennis’ reenactment has been censored to ensure this blog is appropriate for all readers] He’d stayed behind to nap or read a book or something. And I’d seen whales.

Why do you feel the Marine Science Center’s work is important to the conservation of the Salish Sea?
The more people know about the Puget Sound, the more they will love it. And the more they love it, the more they will want to take care of it.

—

REBECCA MOSTOW is the Marine Exhibit Educator and an AmeriCorps member serving at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

The Marine Exhibit is open for Spring Hours! Come say hello to the resident animals and get ready to meet some brand-new critters! The exhibits are open Friday-Sunday, 12-5 pm.

Volunteer Spotlight: Frank Handler

It is my (Zofia's) honor to highlight Frank Handler, a former board member-turned-citizen scientist. Before serving at PTMSC, Frank was a board member at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, CA from 1992-2000. He holds a BA in Chemistry from College of the Holy Cross, an MBA from New York University, an MA in Marine Biology from Occidental College, and is a graduate of the Navy Officer Candidate School. I distinctly remember Frank's best piece of advice, which he conferred me during our first meeting last fall: "It's what you do, not when you do it." I hope this transcript of our conversation does his embodiment of this counsel justice.

Frank keenly observing the beach outside PTMSC during
January's Brown Bag Lunch on Nature Journaling

How long have you been a Marine Science Center volunteer?
I was a board member from 2002-2009 (Development Chair), and have been working as a citizen scientist on the SoundToxins project since September 2015.

Are you a member of the Marine Science Center?
Yes.

In what capacity do you volunteer here?
I do SoundToxins and I hope, since I retired in September, to get involved in some other Citizen Science efforts like the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. I like Citizen Science because it is more behind-the-scenes work, and provides opportunities for more one-on-one interactions. The interaction of scientific ideas through collaboration and communication is key — our curiosity connects us [scientists].

What aspect of the Marine Science Center’s work resonates with you?
PTMSC's focus on marine sustainability...[and], the [volunteers and staff] are exceptionally enthusiastic and dedicated. They really believe in what they're doing and want to make a difference.

What is your favorite day or memory of volunteering so far?
[Past]: As a board member aboard [get it??] the Adventuress, I had the opportunity to spend quality time with other people during a day sail. [Recently]: Also, discovering the Sound Toxins program. Formerly, I had a career as a chemist and for two years I was a marine biologist so getting back into the lab was quite fun.

What is your personal relationship/connection with the Salish Sea?
I feel connected to, and part of, the whole ocean — I've always lived on (in New York City, Rhode Island, Los Angeles, Seattle, and now Port Townsend), in (as an Active Duty Navy Officer for three years; Reserve for 10), or under the ocean (as a SCUBA diver). I can't live away from it. As an NYC native, and seeing how heavily populated Long Island Sound is, I realize the Salish Sea is a natural wonderland; I want to see it preserved and kept healthy.

What inspires you, personally?
My kids, Scott and Kate. They are the joy of my life.

Can you tell me about a particular experience or moment of awe you’ve had with the Salish Sea that’s stuck with you?
[Thinking of the Salish Sea as part of the world ocean]: Being in the middle of a typhoon in the South China Sea while I was in the Navy, and when I first got SCUBA certified in Belize in 1987.

Why do you feel the Marine Science Center’s work is important to the conservation of the Salish Sea?
PTMSC articulates the issues that are undermining the health of the Salish Sea in a science-based and science-focused manner, which makes it credible. [And], inspiring children through our education programs. Instilling that first sense of awe is so important — they are the future.

Thank you, Frank, for sharing your thoughts and wisdom, and for your service to PTMSC!

—

ZOFIA KNOREK is the Citizen Science Educator and an AmeriCorps Member at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center

Volunteer Spotlight: Carol McCreary

Today's Volunteer Spotlight is on Carol McCreary. Enjoy!

Carol McCreary at the 2016 Tides of March Auction

How long have you been a Marine Science Center volunteer? 

Not very long. It was during my WSU Beach Watchers’ training that I became fascinated with the work of PTMSC.

Are you a member of the Marine Science Center?
Yes.

In what capacity do you volunteer here?
I have a Saturday afternoon gig at the Natural History Exhibit. Sometimes when I have a conflict and can’t make it, Jack, my husband who’s also a trained volunteer, takes my place.

What aspect of the Marine Science Center’s work resonates with you?
The science. When I last studied science in an institution, so much of what we know today about the ocean was unknown, including climate change and the pressing hazards that it brings.

What is your favorite day or memory of volunteering so far?
I love watching visitors engage on their own — noisy kids in the storm sewer, an adult and child working through the riddles on the Toxics screen, folks figuring out how the seal fin bones fit together and realizing what it means to be a mammal. The best questions that visitors come up with are the ones I can’t answer. So I engage the AmeriCorps on duty and learning surpasses everyone’s expectations.

What is your personal relationship/connection with the Salish Sea?
Jack and I sail on its waters year round. Fascinated by its richly diverse boundaries and the topography of its shores, we take lots of photos. Our subjects range from the quiet, hideaway coves in South Sound to the great seal haulouts of the San Juans to the majestic Desolation Sound and the chalky blue glacial waters of Toba Inlet all the way to the north end where waters surge back and forth through Seymour Narrows.

What inspires you, personally?
Sanitation, especially alternatives to waterborne systems. As we face drought, climate change, and the prospect of a pipe-breaking Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, we need to prototype new technologies that treat pathogens and toxics and help restore our soils. The recent NOAA Fisheries study of the impact of pharmaceuticals on fish should be a wake-up call.

Can you tell me about a particular experience or moment of awe you’ve had with the Salish Sea that’s stuck with you?
Spring brings low tides and time with the barnacles, fascinating sea creatures you can depend on to be there for you.

Why do you feel the Marine Science Center’s work is important to the conservation of the Salish Sea?
Most of our visitors have gone green. They’re on board with fighting climate change and ready to Go Blue!

Thank you to Carol for sharing your thoughts on volunteering at PTMSC!

—

CAROLYN WOODS is the Natural History Exhibit and Volunteer Educator and an AmeriCorps Member serving at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Volunteer Appreciation: an interview with Betty Petrie

Today I sat down with Betty Petrie to ask about her experience as a volunteer for the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Originally from Houston, Texas, Betty has been living in Port Townsend for the past 18 years and has been volunteering with us for just as long! 

How long have you been a Marine Science Center Volunteer? 

18 years. 

Are you a member of the Marine Science Center?

Yes 

In what capacity do you volunteer here?

Homecrew: 18 years

On the board of directors: 3 years
Docenting the Marine Exhibit: 18 years
I also help out with fishprinting.

I used to docent at the cold water tank at the Houston Zoo and I taught zoology, so this was an easy transition. Years ago, docents used to give short presentations to the public about different subjects. I have presented about a lot of different topics such as crabs and whale evolution.

What aspect of the Marine Science Center's work resonates with you?

Just about everything really. But I really enjoy telling people what the different animals and plants are, what they do, and how they live. During homecrew, I like to clean the tanks so I can see all the new animals close up without a big crowd. 

What was your favorite day or memory of volunteering so far? 

That is hard to say, but flintsing the Grey Whale was definitely the best. I have never seen so many maggots in one place! 

What is your personal relationship/connection with the Salish Sea?

We saw so much of it from our boat when we first moved out here. At first it freaked me out because it was salt water and yet it was so clear. I could see all the animals! It also surprised me how deep it was and how quickly it became so deep.  I was not used to that coming from the Gulf of Mexico. 

On one of my first trips to downtown, I looked at the pilings at low tide and noticed all the animals! I thought to myself that I could have taught a whole zoology class right there. 

What inspires you, personally?

I am an active person, I like to move around and check things out. When I am in my boat I like to see what is at the bottom of the ocean, and I like to see what might be coming up with my crab pots. 

Can you tell me about a particular experience or moment of awe you've had with the Salish Sea that's stuck with you?

I saw a big pod of Orcas from Spieden Island. You can hike on it and at the far end we saw Orcas. I also saw many humpback whales. 

Why do you feel the Marine Science Center's work is important to the conservation of the Salish Sea? 

Mostly because it is giving people the awareness of what is going on and the realization of individual need to stop pollution. It shows people what is around and that you need to keep it pristine.

—

KATIE CONROY is the Marine Mammal Stranding Educator and an AmeriCorps member serving at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

We Love Our Citizen Scientists!

It's Volunteer Appreciation Week and I just want you to know that even though we appreciate you ALL YEAR, this week you are extra appreciated. I've been serving as your Citizen Science Coordinator since October and am in awe of your passion and dedication to the diversity of projects and puzzles we tackle.

This week I will be in Vancouver, BC, at the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference, representing the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and talking about our Citizen Science work. It is remarkable how much a small group of dedicated community members can accomplish! I hope to bring back many more ideas and suggestions of things we can do to contribute to the greater body of knowledge and action that can truly help us care for the treasure that is our Salish Sea.

If you're interesting in joining some of these citizen-science opportunities, take a look at our website calendar for upcoming trainings and events. If you're new to volunteering with us, be sure to attend our upcoming orientation on April 20, from 4-6 pm in the Natural History Exhibit!

Thank you all so very much for your hard work and commitment to PTMSC and the conservation of the Salish Sea.

—

BETSY CARLSON is the interim citizen science coordinator at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Interested in becoming a citizen scientist? Learn how to get involved today!

National Volunteer Week

This week, in honor of National Volunteer Appreciation week, we'll be honoring our volunteers with special activities and features including "Volunteer Spotlights" written by our AmeriCorps members and a Volunteer Appreciation Brunch on Friday. Interested in volunteering? Learn what other volunteers are doing and how to get involved at ptmsc.org/volunteer!

Volunteers are the "vertebrae" of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC). PTMSC couldn't exist without the tremendous support, passion, and commitment our volunteers bring to our mission. So we are celebrating the 42nd Annual National Volunteer Week this week, which means we're appreciating YOU! This national event first began in 1974 by the Points of Light organization, with the purpose of "inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage their communities."

Here at PTMSC, we sure do get imaginative!

I'm always amazed by the range of activities and opportunities in which one can partake.

There's always a random project in need of a volunteer, such as a shed to be painted, or eelgrass to be collected for our tanks, making sea creatures out of beach plastic, or helping the AmeriCorps teach groups of children in our classes. And of course, there are the constant volunteer jobs — docenting our exhibits, tank-cleaning with our "Homecrew", and participating in our many citizen-science projects, helping to put on our annual Tides of March fundraising auction, and serving on our board of directors.

According to Points of Light, National Volunteer Week is about "taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change — discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to make a difference."

When you volunteer your time at PTMSC, you are joining a wonderful group of like-minded people, coming together as family and friends. Collectively, you take action by volunteering your time, sharing your knowledge with the community, and contributing to real, meaningful change.

The humor and grace you exhibit in times of stress, and the joy you have in giving back to this community are always huge sources of inspiration for me, so thank you! My favorite days at the Science Center are those when I get to surround myself with all you wonderful people!

—

AMY JOHNSON is the Volunteer Coordinator at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

Apply now for PTMSC Anne Murphy Scholarship for HS seniors

Anne Murphy Ocean Stewardship Scholarship Opportunity

Now is the time to apply for the annual $500 Anne Murphy Ocean Stewardship scholarship for a graduating East Jefferson county senior.  Applicants should be graduating from a public or private school, or be a home-schooled student who expects to complete high school by June 2014.  The person who wins this scholarship will be selected on the basis of demonstrated interest in science and the environment. Having volunteered on behalf of education about/conservation of the Salish Sea is especially desirable.  Applicants need not intend to study marine science to apply. The scholarship may be used for tuition, books, or living expenses for college or vocational school.  Please download the scholarship form, answer the questions, and email the application to lslabaugh@ptmsc.org. Applications may also be mailed or hand-delivered to Liesl Slabaugh, Development and Marketing Director,  PTMSC, 582 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368 by May 15, 2016.  

The winner will be selected and notified by May 30, 2016.  The award may be given at the senior awards ceremony at the winner’s school,  at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, or other agreed-upon venue.  Questions? Please call 385-5582 x101.