COUPEVILLE, Wash. — If you love spending time on the beach and enjoy interacting with people, consider becoming a volunteer Beach Naturalist at Rosario Beach at Deception Pass this summer.
Washington State University Island County Extension, WSU Beach Watchers and Deception Pass State Park are partnering to offer beach naturalist training for local citizens in trade for a commitment of volunteer time.
The four training sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning April 6, from 7 to 9 pm, at the Deception Pass State Park headquarters, 41020 State Route 20 in Oak Harbor. There will also be two weekend field trips.
Every summer thousands of people visit the park, which features 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and nearly 34,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes.
During low tide summers over the past two decades, the volume of unknowing visitors on the beaches resulted in serious and lasting damage to the marine environment.
The role of the Beach Naturalists will be to help visitors learn about the shoreline ecology and the importance of protecting the fragile marine environment in the 4,134-acre state park.
The classes will cover the park’s beach etiquette, cultural history, beach critters, seaweeds, marine mammals, and pollution threats and what can be done about them.
There is no cost for the training except for the commitment of volunteer time. Class size is limited and advance registration is required. For more information or to register, contact WSU Beach Watcher Sammye Kempbell at 360-929-6989.