Sea Star Survey with CoastWatch

The Sitka Center has adopted CoastWatch Mile 247 and is building a baseline of scientific data. This low tide workshop will cross the Salmon River via kayak, walk to the south end of Salmon Spit and monitor the sea stars in the intertidal area. CoastWatch is a program of Oregon Shores that encourages observation, scientific monitoring and stewardship on every mile of the Oregon Coast. Prepare to have your feet in the water and your brain in learning mode. You'll learn how to interpret and fill out a protocol sheet, how to identify different species of sea stars and how to work on a team counting sea stars on specific boulders.

Jesse Jones is a lifelong Oregonian with a career devoted to the watersheds of Oregon’s north coast, she has managed large and small habitat restoration projects, engaged countless property owners in land conservation, and worked alongside youth of all ages in the natural world and around the world (in Ireland, she built puppets out of recycled materials with students, incorporating these puppets and schools into parades). She spent four years as executive director of the North Coast Watershed Association and, before that, consulted on water projects in Clatsop and Columbia counties, including mediating cooperation between small, rural water districts. In 2015, Jesse started volunteering for Surfrider, leading their Blue Water Task Force to its new home at Seaside High School, where students now collect and process ocean water and post results. She is also the chair of the North Coast Surfrider Chapter. Jesse received her undergraduate degree in community development at Portland State University, received a documentary film certificate from the Northwest Film Center, and did her graduate studies at Portland State University in natural resource policy. In 2022, Jesse was elected president of the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators, a chapter of the National Marine Educators Association.

Please bring your own kayak if you have one. The Sitka Center has a limited number of kayaks available on a first come first serve basis. Please call the office to reserve a boat and life jacket.

Please bring a headlamp or flashlight, to peer into the cracks and count the stars! Bring water and dress appropriately.