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Laura Tucker to Receive Eleanor Stopps Environmental Stewardship Award
September 23, 2026
Longtime environmental educator and community leader honored for decades of work inspiring people across Jefferson County to care for and protect the environment. The Port Townsend Marine Science Center will honor Laura Tucker with its Eleanor Stopps Environmental Stewardship Award, recognizing decades of work helping people understand environmental challenges and empowering them to take acti...
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Summer Camp Report
September 10, 2026
Marine Biology campers observe the light trap The Port Townsend Marine Science Center has just wrapped up another season of camps! Over the past ten weeks, just over 150 campers have come from near and far to learn about the wonders of the Salish Sea and and find their passion for conservation. It takes a lot to pull off a season of non-stop learning, including help from community partnerships ...
Super El Niño: What to Know
September 2, 2026
As we move into Fall and thoughts of witches, ghouls, and monsters fill your head, a lesser known monster begins to grow stronger. You may have heard it called “Super El Niño,” or perhaps,”Godzilla El Niño.” Maybe you’ve already seen articles like the one published by The Washington Post on August 24th regarding the average ocean temperature breaking a millenia-long record. These headl...
Species Spotlight: Shiner Perch
September 1, 2026
Do you see flashes of silver darting through our tanks? Meet our shiner perch — small fish with a lot going on inside. And right now, some of them have a special story to tell: they’ve just given birth! Do you see any perch that are darker than the others? Maybe you see them chasing other fish away. If you are lucky, you may see them performing a courtship dance. This is how male shin...
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How to Swim Safe this Summer with BEACH
August 7, 2026
What better way to cool off on a hot day than taking a dip in the sea? As you plan your next beach trip, check that your local beach is open and safe for swimming and recreation. The BEACH Program (Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication & Health) monitors the safety of saltwater swimming beaches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The program is led by the Department of Ecology and...
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Where Curiosity Becomes Conservation
August 5, 2026
This summer marks an exciting milestone for the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. On June 26, we opened a new chapter with the debut of our expanded exhibit experience in the on-land 502 building at Fort Worden. Aquarium exhibits guide you through kelp forest habitat, a fully articulated orca skeleton hovers overhead, and the sounds of whales and seabirds remind you just how close you are to th...
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PTMSC Summer Camp: What To Expect
July 28, 2026
Summer camp at Port Townsend Marine Science Center is a full week of exploring and learning about the Salish Sea, from our 6-7 year old Junior Explorers to our 11-14 year old Afoot & Afloat campers. But what does the day of a camper actually look like? While every day will be different, here’s an idea of what it might look like in the day of a camper from each of our five camps. If your...
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Work for us!
July 20, 2026
Seeking Environmental Educators for 2026-2027 AmeriCorps Term! Inspire students, visitors, and the whole community to explore, experience, connect with, and take action to protect and steward the unique ecosystems of the Salish Sea. We are seeking a Marine Stewardship Educator AmeriCorps Member to join our team dedicated to conserving the Salish Sea.This is a full-time 10 ½ month ...
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Now Opening Nominations for 2026 Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award
July 1, 2026
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) is now accepting nominations for the Eleanor Stopps Environmental Leadership Award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to environmental stewardship on the North Olympic Peninsula. The annual award recognizes a resident of Jefferson or Clallam County whose leadership has advanced the protection, restoration, or un...
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Volunteer Spotlight: Ken Morris
June 24, 2026
Ken came to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center a few years ago because, he said, “PTMSC feels like home”. When Ken was a kid growing up in San Pedro, California, he would ride his bike to the beach to tidepool or hang out at the Cabrillo Maritime Museum (now the Cabrillo Maritime Aquarium). These days, you’ll still find Ken hanging out outside. He enjoys riding his bike, hiking...
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