Public Programs
Guided Walking Tours
Get to know the unique plants and animals that inhabit the ecosystems of the Salish Sea through our guided walking tour series. Led by staff biologists and trained volunteers, participants will learn about cultural significance, natural history, animal biology, ecological function, and human impacts on the environment. Participants will leave with greater awareness and respect for the natural world and tips on how to be a good steward for the Salish Sea.
With multiple habitats to choose from, all of our tours are:
- Located at public parks and beaches
- 1-2 hours in length
- Designed for all ages
- Free (donations accepted)
- Fun, educational & interactive
Learn more about our tour offerings below and check out calendar for upcoming tour dates. For more information, contact Education Director, Rachel Easton.
More About Our Guided Walking Tours
Summer (June – August)
Get to know the unique plants and animals that inhabit the beaches of the Salish Sea through the Get Your Feet Wet experience. Participants will learn about the anatomy, feeding habits, and the amazing adaptations of many of our local marine animals, as well as how to be a good GUEST at the beach. Animals we have encountered on our beach walks include:
- Ochre, mottled, and leather sea stars
- Moon snails and egg collar
- Red octopus
- California and orange sea cucumbers
- Squid eggs
Fall (November and December)
Get to know the unique lives of Pac
ific Northwest salmon during this exciting guided tour. Taking place during salmon spawning season, participants will likely see live salmon as they migrate upstream to their natal grounds. Topics discussed include:
- Salmon species and their life-cycle
- Native, non-native, and invasive plants
- Threats to salmon and their habitat
- Stream health and water quality
- Traditional use of natural resources by Indigenous People
Spring (March – April)
Discover what makes a healthy wetland as you examine the plants and animals that call this special habitat home. Participants will explore this historic property as they look for evidence of bugs, birds, and mammals. Topics discussed include:
- Native, non-native and invasive plants
- Freshwater macroinvertebrates
- Water quantity and quality
- Threats to wetlands and ways to protect it
Summer (June – August)
In a partnership with the Downtown Waterfront Alliance and Harbor History Museum, this tour examines the cultural history of Gig Harbor Bay and the natural resources that helped shape what it is today. Topics discussed include:
- Indigenous People of Gig Harbor
- Traditional uses of natural resources
- Early industries of Gig Harbor
- Wildlife and recreational activities prominent today
Pier Into the Night
Take an underwater journey of Gig Harbor Bay without getting wet (or needing special certification) through the Pier Into the Night experience.
While you stay warm and dry on the dock, our divers use an underwater video camera to live stream what they encounter below the surface. Staff biologists and trained volunteers identify the plants and animals that appear on the 10-foot screen in real time.
Animals we have encountered at past events include:
- Feather-duster tube worms
- Red Irish lorde, sculpin, and gunnels
- Red rock, kelp, and graceful crabs
- Stubby squid
- Giant Pacific Octopus
- And much more!
This program takes place on public docks in Downtown Gig Harbor on the first Saturday of the month from October-March. We encourage parents to place their children in floatation devices available for free on the dock for safety. Donations are always appreciated; suggested donation of $2 per person, or $5 per family. Bring a chair and dress for the weather, rain or shine!
Check our calendar for upcoming events or contact Education Director, Rachel Easton, for more information.
Community Science
Community scientists around the world help the scientific community collect meaningful data to learn about and help protect the environment. In 2013, Harbor WildWatch created a community science program to help establish a baseline of biodiversity within the Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor-Islands (KGI) Watershed.
In this program, community members are trained to collect a variety of data on our local beaches, estuaries, and creeks; including:
- Marine invertebrates and algae
- Sea Star Wasting
- Nearshore forage fish
- Young-of-Year Rockfish (Divers Needed!)
- Spawning Chum salmon
- Invasive and non-native plants
- European Green Crab
- Water quality
To learn how to become a Community Scientist with Harbor WildWatch, please email our Science Specialist, Stena Troyer. Check our calendar for upcoming opportunities.
Are you a SCUBA Diver? Join our Volunteer Dive Team today!
Contact Stena Troyer to learn how to become a volunteer diver with Harbor WildWatch.
Marine Life Center
NOW OPEN! The Harbor WildWatch Marine Life Center gives residents and visitors a chance to learn about the natural history of the Salish Sea. Located in the heart of downtown Gig Harbor, visitors of all ages are welcome to explore the unique exhibits offered at this historic waterfront location, including:
- 750 gallons of marine aquaria with local marine life
- 100-gallon marine touch tank
- Extensive animal skull display featuring a gray whale skull
- Interactive Scavenger Hunt for kids
- Microscopes and much, much more!
The Marine Life Center is appropriate for all ages and can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to explore. So whether you have all afternoon or just a moment to spare, stop by the Marine Life Center to learn more about the Salish Sea!
Private programs available throughout the year for a donation. Questions? Contact Education Director, Rachel Easton.
Marine Life Center Hours
- Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Year Round
Donkey Creek Chum Festival
Every year, the greater Gig Harbor community celebrates the return of salmon to our local waters. The Annual Chum Walk serves to remind us that the quality of our water, and the habitat it supports, connects us all. Booths line the pathway along the estuary and creek, with information and activities for all ages to learn about our local salmon.
This year’s Chum Walk will take place on:
Saturday, November 16, 2024
11-2pm starting at Austin Park at txʷaalqəł Estuary and ending at Donkey Creek Park.
Our goal is to bring people together to promote sustainability, sound environmental stewardship, preservation of our maritime history and culture, responsible recreation, habitat preservation, and shoreline restoration — one salmon at a time. Join us as we recognize new ways to improve and protect our waterways!
We welcome organizations who focus on environmental sustainability, education, and/or conservation to host a booth and activity at this event. If you would like to join us, please download the information packet below and complete the application form.
If you have any questions, please contact Lindsey Stover.