Some of the lowest tides of the year for Snohomish County will be happening this summer.
This is great news if you’ve been dying to get out to the beach and immerse yourself in the local treasure that is the Salish Sea.
And you don’t have to go out there on your own trying to figure out what plants and animals you’re seeing.
There will be a cadre of well-trained volunteer Washington State University Beach Watchers on hand at three separate events at Snohomish County beaches to help you identify plants and animals and educate you on how to treat the Sound with care and respect.
All three events are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and they’re free.
Mark your calendars now:
June 26: Olympic Beach, 200 W. Dayton St., Edmonds.
July 10: Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, 609 Front St., Mukilteo.
July 24: Kayak Point County Park, 15610 Marine Drive, Stanwood.
If you’re new to low-tide beach exploration, you’re in luck.
The Beach Watchers have an extensive, easy-to-use online guide to help you discover all the plants and animals before you even leave the house.
This veritable encyclopedia of sea life, broken into categories of animals, sea grasses, seaweeds and shore plants, might surprise you with its diversity.
Chitons, limpets, abalone, isopods, amphipods, arachnids?
Check.
Sponges, anemones, jellies, hydroids, corals?
Yes.
Sea Stars, urchins, dollars, cucumbers?
You’re all set.
Go to www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/ezidweb for the EZ-ID Guides where you can also buy coordinated laminated ID card sets to take to the beach. You can also play an interactive sea life identification game, which is reportedly addictive among hardcore beach aficionados.
For more information about the Beach Watchers or to volunteer, contact Chrys Bertolotto at 425-357-6020 or chrys@wsu.edu, or see www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu.
Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.
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