09/20/2007: "Marine Naturalist Training Program This Fall"

Registration for the Fall Marine Naturalist Training Program, presented by The Whale Museum, is ongoing now. The program dates are Saturdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, and November 3-4. The object of this program is to provide a learning experience that assists adult graduates in becoming qualified regionally as professional or volunteer naturalists.

The main focus of the training is the ecology, current status and conservation of Southern Resident Killer Whales and other local marine species as well as discussions about the environments they live in.

The course includes presentations on Whales of the Salish Sea by Dr. Rich Osborne, Killer Whale research projects by Brad Hanson of NOAA, Photo Identification of Orcas by David Ellifrit of the Center for Whale Research, and a variety of other topics such as seabirds, pinnipeds and salmon.

Additional faculty includes professional naturalists, marine scientists and environmental educators active in the region. Students will also participate in a variety of field trips including Camp Orkila on Orcas Island and the Friday Harbor Labs on San Juan Island.

They will have the opportunity to assemble a Gray Whale skeleton at The Whale Museum and to practice their naturalist skills on board a tour boat.

Tuition is $350 and includes an orca adoption and a Whale Museum membership. There are no prerequisites other than high school graduation and a sincere interest to learn.

To take part in this exciting opportunity, please contact Cindy Hansen, Education Curator by email at cindy@whalemuseum.org or by phone at 360-378-4710 ext.23. Registration material can be downloaded from the Whale Museum website at www.whalemuseum.org