Fort Worden State Park

Explore the Deep Ocean June 16

Join marine explorer Veronique Robigou, who has explored the deep sea vents on the ocean floor off Washington's coast in the submersible ALVIN numerous times. Veronique's presentation will be in Building 204 on June 16th at 4 pm.  For more information visit the Port Townsend Marine Science Center website.

How Smart Are Octopuses?

Saturday, June 30th  2:30 pm in the Marine Exhibit
Everyone has heard that octopuses are intelligent but just how smart are they? Dr. Anderson will give an outline of the life of the world's largest species of octopuses (yes,  that is the correct plural) the giant Pacific octopus. How big do they really get? How smart are they? How smart are they compared to other species of octopuses and how can we tell? What kind of IQ test can you give an octopus?

Roland C. Anderson, Ph.D., is a biologist at the Seattle Aquarium where he has worked for 30 years. He is particularly interested in the natural history and behavior of Puget Sound cephalopods. He has published numerous articles on marine invertebrates of the Pacific Northwest in scientific journals and the trade press and given talks on the behavior of cephalopods and other mollusks at numerous conferences. Admission is free to members and included in the price of exhibit admission for non-members.

How to Save Puget Sound

On Wednesday, May 30, at 7 pm at the Natural History Exhibit (the building on the land across from the building on the pier) Kathy Fletcher, Executive Director of People For Puget Sound, will give a presentation entitled "Saving Puget Sound: The Partnership and the People."

Fletcher will cover such topics and answer such questions as:

• What did the governor and the legislature accomplish during the 2006 session?
• What's next for the Puget Sound Partnership and the people of the Olympic Peninsula?
• What can you do to bring the Sound back to health by the year 2020?

The free community event is co-sponsored by the People for Puget Sound, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, and the Northwest Maritime Center & Wooden Boat Foundation.

Fort Worden Commons hosts ASL “chat”

American Sign Language (ASL) supporters and practitioners of all skill levels are invited to gather at the Hot Java coffee shop for an inaugural chat, Wednesday June 1st, 5:30-6:30PM.

Hot Java is the coffee shop café located at the south entrance of Fort Worden’s Commons dining and event facility. Bob Saring, GM of Guest Services Food concession at the Fort will be the ASL event host.  For more information contact Bob at 360.344.4440 or e-mail: wordengm@guestservices.com.

Centrum and Guest Services are just two of the Fort Worden partners continually committed to enhancing visitors accessibility offerings and resources. Learn more about this endeavor on our Information Center site.

CAM Seeks Volunteers

The Coast Artillery Museum is seeking volunteers to staff the museum, Mondays through Fridays, 10-4, during the last three weeks of June. For additional information contact Alfred Chiswell at 385-0373 or evenings at 379-3052. Thanks!

Legislative Boost for Planning

The leadership of Representatives Lynn Kessler (D-Hoquiam) and Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim), as well as Senator Jim Hargrove, and advocacy from the Fort Worden Advisory Committee, led to $465,000 being earmarked in the state legislature’s 2007-09 budget to complete the long-range planning process for Fort Worden State Park.

In January, after a public process, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission approved a conceptual plan to transform Fort Worden State Park into a center for life-long learning.

The goal is to turn Fort Worden into a place dedicated to discovery, retreat, and renewal. Funding secured by 24th District legislators will provide for architectural and site design, business and operations implementation, and site and facilities use plans.

“These funds represent a commitment to change that will be of enormous benefit to peninsula residents as well as visitors from around the region,” Fort Worden Area Manager Kate Burke said.

Funding to complete the planning process for Fort Worden was not included in Washington State Parks’ initial request to the Governor, so members of the Fort Worden Advisory Committee, as well as individuals interested in the future of the Park, traveled to Olympia to lobby legislators.

“Centrum, the Marine Science Center, Peninsula College, Copper Canyon Press and all the other institutions providing year-round educational programs at Fort Worden are remarkable assets in our district. We are thrilled to support the evolution of this truly innovative partnership,” said Kessler, the House Majority Leader.

Van De Wege concurred. “I have attended Centrum programs and enjoyed countless visits to Fort Worden State Park,” he said. “I am delighted that so many thoughtful citizens have been involved in good planning for and stewardship of this extraordinary resource.”

Jim Hargrove, Senator from Hoquiam was also critical to securing support. He said that that careful planning is a prerequisite for smart capital expenditure.

Burke added that there was a great deal to accomplish in the months ahead. ”We are so grateful for the support of a terrific legislative team,” she said, “as well as all the community advocates who have helped us to think bigger and smarter about what is possible.”

Veronique Robigou & The Deep Pacific Ocean

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center's 25th Anniversary lecture series contines with University of Washington marine geologist Veronique Robigou:

Exploring the Deep Pacific Ocean and the Immensity of Ocean Education
Fort Worden State Park, Building 204, 4 pm

Robigou will describe her own personal journey to a passion for science education and ocean literacy through seafloor exploration of this extreme environment.

Robigou is a University of Washington marine geologist conducting research on deep sea vents on the Juan de Fuca Ridge, located 200 miles off Washington's coast, as well as at sites in the northeast Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, Mexico. Her passion for ocean education has inspired countless teachers in the UW REVEL Project (Research and Education: Volcanoes, Exploration and Life) since 1996. She has been a strong advocate of blending research and education at all levels, supporting student projects as well as teams of scientists and teachers working together on ocean cruises.

Admission: Members $4/Nonmembers $6; member youth $2/ nonmember youth $