Beach Monitoring & Molt Search - Mouth of Gig Harbor/Old Ferry Landing

Beach Monitoring is one of Harbor WildWatch's signature Participatory Science Programs where twice a year (summer & winter), we collect data from different beaches throughout the South Sound area. This information helps us determine how the beaches change over time and could be useful in determining the impact of a future natural or human induced event.
We meet in the parking area of the beach around the scheduled time to organize gear before heading out to our monitoring site (Usually 10-15min past the scheduled start time). See below for more detailed directions about the monitoring location. Participation with these special participatory science events gets you, your friends, and family directly involved with the protection of our local beaches and who knows, may even inspire future ecologists. Mark your calendar for any or all of these upcoming events. Remember, you don't have to have a science background to participate, nor are you required to stay for the entire duration of the typically 3-4 hour program. All ages welcome.
For Summer Beach Monitoring we recommend that you are prepared with layers (it does tend to be cold at the beach), sun protection, snacks, hydration, and closed toed shoes (rain boots, water shoes, or old sneakers you don't mind getting wet work great). Some folks like having a light pair of rain pants for keeping dry when we kneel on the beach but that's not required.
These events will include the hands on portion of how to conduct a MOLT SEARCH (about 2.5 hours past the event start time). This is a program that you can participate in to be part of an early detection program monitoring for European green crab. Early detection of the presence of European green crab will give managers the best chance of reducing the spread and impact of this globally damaging invasive species. We're excited to have you be part of the team: wsg.washington.edu/moltsearch
Old Ferry Landing at the Mouth of Gig Harbor: There is very little parking at this location, so I recommend the angle in, public parking on Harborview Drive past the Soundview Drive intersection (near Tides Tavern). The Old Ferry Landing is a short walk to the end of Harborview Drive. We will meet at the top of the viewing platform at the scheduled start time. If you arrive later, Please use caution on the path to the beach. Once you reach the beach, the monitoring site is to the left (facing the water) - It's a small beach, ya can't miss us!
Comment on the event or contact Stena@harborwildwatch.org for information prior to the event.