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 – if you arrive early don’t start worrying that you’re in the wrong place until 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 Winter Beach monitoring, it just so happens that the lowest tides are during the dark of the night which adds an adventurous twist to our monitoring procedures. While winter Beach Monitoring is a great excuse to visit your favorite beaches at night, you will need to gear up differently than our summertime programs. Because this event is a mix of only the best conditions, COLD, DARK, and WET, here is a list of items to think about having with you: Headlamp, rain coat, rain pants, rain boots, fleece or wool layers, toe warmers, hand warmers, neck gator, hat, gloves, thermos of warm beverage, adventurous attitude!

Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve/DeMolay/Fox Island Sand Spit/Bella Bella Beach: This is a beach with many names. Meet by the park entrance gate before going down the hill to the beach. There is additional parking in a lot up the hill and to the right (It likely will not be open at night) . If you arrive late, walk down the driveway to the beach towards the retaining walls. The monitoring location is to your left (when facing the water).
This program is brought to you through a partnership between Harbor WildWatch and PenMet Parks. For more information about PenMet Parks, check out their website: https://penmetparks.org/

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/share/rRAdVGSNc7vaQNmR/
Contact Stena@harborwildwatch.org for information prior to the event. (It’s not likely that I will check emails night of the program).