CRUISES OF SPRING MIGRATION TO PROTECTION ISLAND

Spring is upon us and many species have returned.

As part of our educational program for all ages, the Port Townsend Marine
Science Center has again scheduled a small number of very special boat
expeditions this spring to Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge at
the mouth of Discovery Bay. Home to breeding, nesting, and flyway
populations of numerous bird species, the island also plays host to
numerous marine mammals. These cruises, aboard the "Glacier Spirit", a
well appointed and comfortable 65 ft.motor-yacht are extremely popular with
birders and have also generated increased interest among non-birders
looking for an idyllic natural science adventure. The PTMSC offers these
trips to enable citizens to gain a better understanding of the marine
ecosystems and natural science interrelationships which abound in these
waters.

Trips are scheduled for Saturdays: March 29th and April 5th, 12th, 19th &
26th from 1 PM till 4 PM. The three-hour cruises depart from Point Hudson
Marina in downtown Pt. Townsend. Naturalists from the Marine Science
Center, familiar with the island, the local bird population and marine
mammals are on-board interpreters and provide excellent commentary on local
birds, mammals, geology and weather. Home to breeding and flyway
populations of numerous bird species, this Refuge, off-limits to the
public, also plays host to numerous marine mammals. Over eighty five bird
species and eight mammal species, including gray whales and elephant seals,
have been spotted!

Tickets are $45 per person or $40 for members of the Marine Science Center,
the Burke Museum, Audubon or the Washington Ornithological Society. All
trips include an additional stop at Kilisut Harbor/Mystery Bay area
(between Marrowstone & Indian Islands) or Smith Island. On-Board
refreshments are available. Call 360-385-5582 or 1-800-566-3932 or
cruises at ptmsc.org to reserve a spot and for additional information. Rates
for children & groups are available.

The PTMSC is a non-profit educational organization based in Port Townsend
since 1982 and has been providing these trips since 1994. Ticket revenue
benefits the Marine Science Center's education programs.


Peter Badame
Port Townsend Marine Science Center
532 Battery Way
Fort Worden State Park
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-385-5582 ext:105
360-385-7248 fax
www.ptmsc.org