Sound Waters Central - 2010 - Classes At a Glance

WSU Island County Beach Watchers are proud to present ...

Index: The Earth Island History Island Living Marine Life Plant Life Wildlife Of Interest to Home Schoolers

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The Earth

Cool Communities ...: A.4: On Oct.24, the International Day of Climate Action, Skagit County Climate Stewards launched a Cool Community Campaign. Teaming up with others, they held a Cool Climate Cafe attended by over 150 people. Those people formed teams to go on the Low Carbon Diet, using the workbook by David Gershon, to lose at least 5,000 pounds of carbon by New Year's. Find out how they did it and strategize how Whidbey Island will launch its own Cool Community Campaign. Maribeth Crandell, Susan Wood [more]
Digging the Dirt ...: B.3: This session will help you understand the properties of your soil, and how to manage your soil to grow healthy plants and protect water quality. Topics include soil texture and structure, soil testing, and choosing and using organic amendments to improve soils for gardens, landscapes, and crops. Craig Cogger [more]
Protecting Our Shoreline - What Works ...: C.7: The San Juan Initiative was a three-year pilot project of the Puget Sound Partnership whose goal was to improve protection of the shoreline. Amy will address a whole array of complex questions developed through the Initiative, including: What is working and what is not for protecting our shorelines from human impacts? How can we do a better job? How can we effectively develop along our shores in a way that works for both people and nature? Is there a way to change the litigious nature of shoreline management? Amy Windrope [more]
Saving Natural Habitats: the Long-Term ...: A.15: Whidbey Camano Land Trust is a local nonprofit nature conservancy that has permanently protected over 6,100 acres of critical wildlife habitat on Whidbey and Camano Islands. Learn how it protects and stewards these lands and where the lands are located. Find out what the Trust is currently working on and how its efforts are helping to ensure the health and connectivity of our islands' natural systems. Chris Hilton, Cheryl Lowe [related article] [more]
Un-Sound Waters: When the Earth Moves ...: B.16: Whidbey Island is bracketed by major crustal faults that pose a greater threat to Islanders than the future Great Cascadia Earthquake that will occur to the west. Learn about the Island's earthquake and tsunami hazards and how we can learn to live with these threats and keep our families safe. William Steele [more]
Weather Satellites and You ...: B.17: The images you see on evening newscasts are the result of 30 years of technology development for observing our planet from geostationary satellites. Explore the basic science of how visible and infrared sensors work, the forces that keep satellites in place, and the tremendous value this information provides. It may seem like magic, but it is really physics at work. The presenter will also introduce a multitude of other instruments that contribute to weather and climate observations. Kristina Katasaros [more]

Island History

Native American Adaptation to Whidbey ...: C.6: Learn about Whidbey Island resources and their historical use by Native Americans. Learn techniques for foraging in our "mega optimum zone" and about Native American lifestyles, tools and artifacts. Lou LaBombard [related article] [more]
O Pioneers ...: B.10: "O Pioneers!", the title of works by Walt Whitman and Willa Cather, describe the strong, flawed personalities of those who defy tradition and society to set out into the unknown. This session will highlight three such individuals who helped settle Whidbey Island. Jill Johnson [more]
People of the Coast Salish Sea ...: A.11: The Coast Salish Sea has been inhabited since time immemorial by the Coast Salish peoples. This presentation will include the Coast Salish perspective on the life of the people and wildlife of the Coast Salish Sea. Larry will share his insights on topics of spirituality, ways of life, thinking and lifestyles of the native peoples. Larry Campbell [related article] [more]
Rosario ... of Legends and Tidepools ...: C.8: Get your feet wet in the history, culture, fragility, and stewardship of Rosario Beach and Deception Pass State Park. Sammye Kempbell [related article] [more]

Island Living

A Kilowatt Saved is a Kilowatt Earned ...: C.2: This session will describe the Puget Sound Energy program called "Homeprint".Through Island County Extension, John provides research, education, and analysis to support PSE customers who receive the HomePrint service. This service helps owners to identify areas of energy conservation in their homes. The session will present several important ways homeowners can save energy. John Hastings [more]
About the Seafood You Eat ...: C.13: Where does the seafood you eat in local restaurants and buy in local food stores come from and how is it caught? What's the difference between farmed and wild? Which fish are harvested sustainably? Pete Granger [more]
Beach Watcher's Training Exposed! ...: C.3: Sarah and Sue will share what it means to be a Beach Watcher, what the training is like for new volunteers, and the activities available for Beach Watchers. The WSU Beach Watcher program is a worthwhile commitment - 100 hours of expert training from top professionals. Sue Howard, Sarah Woehrman [related article] [more]
Bluffs & Beaches: The Highs & Lows ...: B.2: Learn about coastal geologic processes on Whidbey and Camano Islands. We will talk about shoreline erosion, beach formation, and how our coastline changes over time. Hugh Shipman [related article] [more]
Energy Efficient Houses-Beyond Windows ...: A.16: The presentation focuses on the four pillars of an energy efficient home, starting with the site selection and orientation to the sun and other natural resources, the building envelope including windows and doors, energy equipment selections including lighting, and proper operation and maintenance by the owner. Ted Clifton [more]
Fresh and Saltwater Fishing ...: B.4: This is an introduction to fly fishing with emphasis on local areas. Neal will discuss the basics of casting, equipment, rods, reels, lines, flies, waders, and safety. Bring your questions. Neal Sims [more]
Get Crazy, Not Lazy, Teaching Kids ...: B.5: Activity is the key when teaching kids. If they're involved physically, emotionally, and mentally, they'll "get it". Learn experiential teaching techniques for the kid in all of us! Maribeth Crandell, Tillie Scruton [related article] [more]
It's Your County ...: A.7: Learn the basics of county government and local bi-partisan politics, how county government works, what elected officials do, how decisions are made, and citizens' key role in the democratic process. John Dean [related article] [more]
Kayaking Local Waters: How and Where ...: A.8: The Salish Sea comprises the inland waters from the southern end of Puget Sound to the northern edge of the Strait of Georgia -- with many of the best places on the planet to paddle. This class will cover some kayaking basics: safety, basic training and local resources. We will also "tour" Whidbey via information and attractions on local day trips compiled by WISK--the Whidbey Island Sea Kayakers network. Sue Ellen White, Dale Christensen [more]
Moisture and Building Sciences ...: B.1: Starting in the 1980's many aspects of the residential building process began to dramatically change with regards to structure, insulation and tightness in design. With every change the physics of moisture management changed dramatically. We would like to discuss these changes: the cause and the effect on the house as a system, the physics involved with managing moisture in modern homes, and how can we adapt this to today's building process? Russell Hester, Scott Yonkman [more]
O, Sailor, Beware! ...: A.10: Learn the effects and hazards of wind on currents and how to predict the roughest waters and Deception Pass hazards. Identify two main fog types, how to cross shipping lanes, and avoid rocks and shallow areas. Practical safety suggestions will be offered. Doug Bishop [related article] [more]
Rainwater: Use it or Lose it! ...: A.13: Learn about stormwater, groundwater and the sole source aquifers of Island County and how to capture the rain and put it to work in your yard. See examples of rainwater collection systems and learn how to design your own. Stacy Smith [more]
Renewable Energy in the Northwest ...: A.14: This class is an overview of the various renewable energy options available in the Pacific Northwest, including site evaluation, selection criteria, current state of the technology, and incentives available to home owners. Kelly Keilwitz [more]
Renewable Energy: News You Can Use ...: B.13: Panelists will review renewable energy developments on the global, regional, and local levels. What is Puget Sound Energy doing/planning to provide and increase renewable energy generation? What are the regulations and incentives that property owners should know about when considering installation of renewable energy generation systems? Walt Blackford, Andy Wappler, Lori Christian [more]
Safe Harvest of Shellfish ...: C.9: Learn about the public health issues involved with protecting shellfish habitat and preserving water quality for safe shellfish harvest. Kathleen Parvin [more]
Saltwater Fly Fishing ...: C.10: This session will be a discussion of where and when to fish and the effects of tides and currents. Neal will also cover equipment: rods, reels, lines, leaders and flies used in saltwater fishing. Bring your questions. Neal Sims [more]
Stewardship for Shoreline Properties ...: BC.204: Learn how to become a better steward of your shoreline property and protect the health of our marine waters! Multi-part class will show you how to build a rain barrel to conserve water, how to maintain and protect your septic drainfield, what to do to maintain bluff stability, what to plant along the shoreline, and how to properly prune trees to maintain views. Those who attend become certified Shore Stewards. Scott Chase, Kathleen Chase [more]
Sustainable Towns - the Mayors Speak! ...: B.15: Graham Johnson will facilitate this forum of Island County Mayors discussing and giving updates on the actions our towns are taking to be more proactive in caring for the environment. Nancy Conard, Jim Slowik, Paul Samuelson, Graham Johnson [related article] [more]
The "Scoop" on Septic Inspections ...: A.3: Get accurate information about the new septic system inspection regulations and what you need to know as a homeowner. Joe Laxson [more]
The Truth About Trash ...: A.12: Where does all our trash come from and where does it go? Learn the ins and outs of garbage and recycling, what really happens to all that trash and what you can do to reduce it. Janet Hall [related article] [more]

Marine Life

Eelgrass: What? Where? And Why? ...: A.5: Learn about eelgrass habitat in Island County and why we care about this resource. Island County Beach Watchers, Marine Resources Committee, and Friday Harbor Labs are partnering to determine the extent, and plant characteristics, of this habitat through underwater mapping, aerial photography and intertidal sampling. Jan Holmes, Gregg Ridder, Neal Clark [more]
Food Under Water - Penn Cove Shellfish ...: A.6: What are those things floating in the water? Below the surface of Penn Cove is a farm where the "crops" needn't be sown, fertilized, medicated or irrigated. Learn what takes place under the water and how the shellfish are seeded, thinned and grown out for harvest. Ian Jefferds [related article] [more]
Kelp to Crab: The Magic of the Sea ...: B.6: The class is a slide show and discussion covering some of the major groups of marine organisms found in the Pacific Northwest, with an emphasis on showing organisms in their natural environment. Jon Gross [related article] [more]
Listen to the Orcas ...: C.5: Learn how to listen to real-time underwater sounds through the Salish Sea Hydrophone Network. After an introduction to common sounds of Southern Resident orcas, learn how to listen to live and recorded audio streams on the Internet from any computer. Discuss potential impacts of underwater noise pollution and see how you, as a citizen scientist, can help detect orcas and monitor the "Puget Soundscape". Scott Veirs [more]
Meet Your Intertidal Neighbors ...: A.1: There's more on our beaches than barnacles and mussels! Beach walkers, scuba divers and natural history buffs will learn about intertidal animals. Mary Jo Adams, Rick Blank [related article] [more]
Ocean Acidification, Ecosystems, Climate ...: BC.203: This session will be a two part presentation and discussion of significant changes in our marine ecosystem and the climate changes we are experiencing on land. Part 1: Ocean Acidification - Northeastern Pacific Coastal Waters and Puget Sound: Recent studies have demonstrated that both the temperature increases and the increased concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the oceans are causing significant changes in marine ecosystems. This in-depth session will discuss the impact and future implications of these events on the health of our ocean and what we can do about them. Part 2: Climate Change and the Pacific Northwest: This session will feature: an overview of the past and future global climate, a discussion of our expectations for the future climate of the Pacific Northwest, and a survey of the actions that can be taken on a personal level. Participants will be divided into small groups for one of two discovery-based learning activities. Nick Bond, Richard Feely [related article] [more]
Orcas, Salmon and Tradition ...: B.11: Field research of over 35 years has described the endangered Southern Resident orcas as a distinct cultural community. Recent studies revealed that these big delphinids depend almost entirely on Chinook salmon, also endangered. Chinook restoration is the key to orca survival. Susan Berta, Howard Garrett [related article] [more]
Pesticides, the Sound and You ...: A.19: Water runs downhill. The question of pesticide impact on our Sound is a big one. This session will address common lawn and garden care chemicals and insecticides. There will be a little sermon on using sources of information, both those that are reliable and those that are unreliable, a bit of mythology and a list of web sites that can be depended upon. Frank Dost [more]
Plastic in All the Wrong Places ...: B.12: A survey of the quality and effects that plastic marine debris has on humans and wildlife, with a focus on the research Port Townsend Marine Science Center has been conducting throughout Puget Sound. Jen Kingfisher [more]
Salmon Restoration: A Cooperative Model ...: C.1: An overview of restoration work undertaken by this tribal cooperative and its partners in the nearshore environs of Island County. The session will highlight recent work at Crescent Harbor with the US Navy. Steve Hinton [more]
SEA: Responsive Stewardship ...: C.17: Service, Education and Adventure (SEA) is a non-profit marine based education organization based on Whidbey Island. This session will describe how SEA supports stewardship and educational programs for youth and adults focused on our marine environment throughout the Puget Sound region. Strategies for implementing service-learning and watershed education elements into existing curriculum and programs will be shared. Chris Burt, Susie Richards, Scott Ashworth [more]
Smith and Minor: New Aquatic Reserves ...: C.11: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently working with local stakeholders on establishing an Aquatic Reserve around Smith and Minor Islands. Learn what an Aquatic Reserve Program is: how it will enhance the health of native marine and freshwater aquatic habitats, conserve environmental resources, encourage sustainable public recreational activities, provide scientific research and monitoring, and promote educational outreach. Michael Grilliot [more]
SOARing with Kindergartners ...: B.8: Before a journey to the Papahanaumokuakea Marine Reserve, the presenter asked students for questions to "ponder in the Pacific". The result, an ongoing project called SOAR (Save Our Albatrosses/Research), was the brainchild of Evelyn, a gifted child. She continues to inspire NOAA, the USFWS, and other SOAR efforts to rid the oceans of deadly plastics. Ron will talk about his experiences in the Pacific and what is happening in these "pristine" waters. Ron Hirschi [more]
State of the Sound ...: A.17: You may have heard by now that Puget Sound is in trouble. Find out why and what's being done about it from David Dicks, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Partnership. He will provide the audience with the big national picture all the way down to what this means for the citizens of Island County. This presentation will help you understand why the recovery of Puget Sound is so important, why it is such a complex problem to solve and how everyone must be part of the solution. David Dicks [more]
Stillaguamish Estuary Restoration ...: C.12: The Stillaguamish River Delta is one of 16 large river deltas found in Puget Sound. The tidal flows that once supported these vast wetlands have been altered or disconnected as a result of filling in of wetlands, diking, shoreline armoring, construction of shoreline roads, railroads and other infrastructure. This presentation will describe The Nature Conservancy's work to aid in restoration of the Stillaguamish estuary. [more]
The Salish Sea Project ...: A.18: Sealife Productions will present two 25 minute features. The first film on soft substrate was filmed in Holmes Harbor and features a stunning range of animal diversity and behaviors. The second 25 minute film will feature rocky substrate communities in the Sound to show the abundance and diversity of this habitat. Sealife Productions is putting together a series of DVD media on the Salish Sea and would like input on the future of this project. Florian Graner [more]
Turning the Tide: Toxics in the Sound ...: C.15: Learn about the important toxic chemicals that impact Puget Sound and their connection to human health. The presenters will discuss toxic pollution, key chemicals of concern, the loading pathways into Puget Sound, and what we can do about it. Fully referenced information sheets on all the topics will be provided. Topics include: how toxic chemicals affect you and Puget Sound; top toxic chemicals and where they come from; how to help prevent toxic overload to Puget Sound and yourself; and tips on communicating this information to others. Heather Trim, Jamie Wine [more]

Plant Life

Habitat Stewardship ...: BC.201: Whidbey's Habitat Stewards are trained citizen volunteers committed to maintaining & monitoring restored habitat on South Whidbey Island. Restoring stream habitat helps Puget Sound salmon and orcas flourish! This session will cover Part I of the training: Watersheds overview, restoration sites, plant identification and using native plants, invasive plant control techniques, stream ecology, and data collection. Participants are invited to take the field portion of the training at a later date, and help with scheduled work parties on Whidbey Watershed Stewards restoration sites. Janice Martin [more]
Knowing and Loving Native Plants ...: B.7: This class will look at the many wonderful native plants found in Island County with a focus on how to effectively use them in your garden. June Davis [more]
Whidbey's Native Plant Communities ...: C.14: This session is a short tour of Whidbey Island's many native plant communities. You will learn how to encourage native plant diversity in the backyard based on your property's individual characteristics. James Guzman [more]
Wild Mushrooms or Fun with Fungi ...: A.20: Curious about the mushrooms in your yard and in the forests of Western Washington? Learn about which mushrooms are edible, and how fungi interact with your trees and plants. Scott Chase, Kathleen Chase [related article] [more]

Wildlife

Bats: Good Neighbors ...: B.9: The much maligned bat is a good neighbor and is ecologically important worldwide. Learn about bat biology and diversity and how healthy bat populations can help Puget Sound waters. Sarah Schmidt [more]
Birding from Our Shores and Bluffs ...: A.2: Looking out on the beaches and waters around Whidbey Island, we can see a wide variety of seabirds, shorebirds, ducks and geese. We'll take a season-by-season tour of these species and I'll note good places to observe birds from our shores and bluffs. Suggested reference: "Getting to the Water's Edge". Frances Wood [related article] [more]
Hummingbirds of Whidbey Island ...: C.4: The authors of "Our Puget Sound Birds & Habitat", will present a session on hummingbirds, illustrating the amazing characteristics of these fascinating birds. Using Craig's photographs and multimedia graphics, they will discuss how these birds survive cold evenings, how iridescence occurs, their diet, nesting habits, and more. Craig Johnson, Joy Johnson [related article] [more]
Living with Whidbey Wildlife ...: A.9: From bats to weasels, over twenty species of land mammals are currently found on Whidbey Island. Information on how to manage and safely coexist with the wildlife that occupy areas around our homes and properties will be provided. How and when coyotes, rabbits, and eastern gray squirrels arrived on Whidbey will be discussed. Russell Link [more]
Marine Mammal Stranding ...: BC.202: The Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network is offering the 3 hour National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) approved class for responding to and investigating stranded marine mammals. The class will cover the rules and regulations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, identification of species, assessment of health and/or injuries, collection of specimens in the field and preparation of written reports. Note: the class includes graphic photographs of anatomical features of these animals and injuries and anomalies found. The class DOES NOT automatically qualify the student as an approved Network responder. To be a registered Network responder there is a fee of $20 for the CPSMMSN/NMFS registration, which includes receipt of the official NMFS Handbook. Registration for those wishing to join the Network will be held at the end of the class. Sandy Dubpernell [more]
The Great Blue Heron ...: B.14: Great Blue Herons are an iconic species of both cultural and biological importance. Explore the life history, status and conservation of these majestic birds. The class will cover heron habitats and favorite haunts, life in the breeding colony and heronry dynamics. Based on twenty years of research and monitoring, we will discuss changes and current challenges to the local heron population. Ann Eissinger [more]
Wildlife Art ...: B.18: An award winning professional wildlife artist offers a behind the scenes look at how he creates wildlife paintings. Bart Rulon [related article] [more]
Wildlife Photography ...: C.16: An award winning wildlife photographer reveals the tricks and stories behind samples of his work. He describes equipment, locations, and techniques for getting better photos of our local wildlife. Bart Rulon [related article] [more]

Of Interest to Home Schoolers

Get Crazy, Not Lazy, Teaching Kids ...: B.5: Activity is the key when teaching kids. If they're involved physically, emotionally, and mentally, they'll "get it". Learn experiential teaching techniques for the kid in all of us! Maribeth Crandell, Tillie Scruton [related article] [more]
Meet Your Intertidal Neighbors ...: A.1: There's more on our beaches than barnacles and mussels! Beach walkers, scuba divers and natural history buffs will learn about intertidal animals. Mary Jo Adams, Rick Blank [related article] [more]
SEA: Responsive Stewardship ...: C.17: Service, Education and Adventure (SEA) is a non-profit marine based education organization based on Whidbey Island. This session will describe how SEA supports stewardship and educational programs for youth and adults focused on our marine environment throughout the Puget Sound region. Strategies for implementing service-learning and watershed education elements into existing curriculum and programs will be shared. Chris Burt, Susie Richards, Scott Ashworth [more]
SOARing with Kindergartners ...: B.8: Before a journey to the Papahanaumokuakea Marine Reserve, the presenter asked students for questions to "ponder in the Pacific". The result, an ongoing project called SOAR (Save Our Albatrosses/Research), was the brainchild of Evelyn, a gifted child. She continues to inspire NOAA, the USFWS, and other SOAR efforts to rid the oceans of deadly plastics. Ron will talk about his experiences in the Pacific and what is happening in these "pristine" waters. Ron Hirschi [more]
The Salish Sea Project ...: A.18: Sealife Productions will present two 25 minute features. The first film on soft substrate was filmed in Holmes Harbor and features a stunning range of animal diversity and behaviors. The second 25 minute film will feature rocky substrate communities in the Sound to show the abundance and diversity of this habitat. Sealife Productions is putting together a series of DVD media on the Salish Sea and would like input on the future of this project. Florian Graner [more]