Beach Monitoring- Kopachuck State Park
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.
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!
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.
We meet in the parking area of the beach at the scheduled start time to organize gear before heading out to our monitoring site on the beach. Because these events are late, it’s not likely that the organizers will be early to these events so don’t panic if no one is there BEFORE the scheduled start time. We will usually take about 15 minutes past the start time in the parking area to do introductions and organize gear before walking to the beach site. See below for more detailed directions about the specific monitoring location and what to do if you arrive late.
Kopachuck State Park: We will meet in the parking lot past the entrance gate at the scheduled start time. We will be driving gear down to the lower parking area (through a locked gate) after introductions. If you arrive late, park in the upper lot and enjoy the hike down the hill. All trails will lead down to the beach but some beach access points are easier than others-we recommend finding the stair access. Once you’re on the beach facing the water, head to your left. You will walk South to the monitoring site which is between two large boulders that are exposed during low tide. Our monitoring site is a ways down the beach but you should hear and see our lights. If you think you will be late, please email Stena ahead of time so she can coordinate further gate instructions. Contact Stena@harborwildwatch.org for information prior to the event
