EXTERNAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

UPDATED JANUARY 2008

CONTACT: Stef Frenzl, Snohomish County Surface Water Management

stephan.frenzl@co.snohomish.wa.us
425-388-6466

The MRC is a volunteer citizen group that addresses local marine issues and recommends action to the County Council and Executive. It is one of seven county committees in Northern Puget Sound that is involved in the nationally recognized Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative. The Snohomish County MRC focuses its efforts in four project areas: education and outreach, Dungeness crab stewardship, marine water quality, and nearshore habitat stewardship.

Interested parties need not be experts in marine management issues, but are expected to contribute by attending monthly meetings and sharing opinions on marine issues during a three-year term, which runs from 2008 to 2010. Members advise on the development of proposed marine stewardship areas and are encouraged to participate in project planning and implementation.

Membership is open to Snohomish County residents or organization representatives. Interested parties representing local governments or recreation, environmental or conservation groups are encouraged to apply. For additional information and to download an application, go to www.marine.surfacewater.info or call (425) 388-6466. Application deadline is 5 p.m., Feb. 1.

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Immerse Yourself in Puget Sound!

Become a WSU Beach Watcher.

Love beaches? Want to learn a ton and give something back? Then join the team of over 700 WSU Beach Watchers this spring. Beach Watchers are professionally-trained volunteers dedicated to protecting Puget Sound’s fragile environment through education, research and personal example.

The 100-hour WSU Beach Watcher training is being offered in Snohomish County, based at Jennings Park in Marysville, March 17 – May 8 on Mondays and Thursday, 9AM – 3:30 PM. It includes expert presentations, field trips and hands-on practice in:

· coastal processes;
· marine organism identification,
· marine birds,
· public education,
· scientific monitoring,
· restoration practices,
· and so much more!

In return, WSU Beach Watchers continue learning while volunteering at least 100 hours over two years as citizen scientists, educators and project planners. A few examples of WSU Beach Watchers projects are organizing an evening seminar series and doing interpretation at public parks, monitoring beaches for intertidal life or water quality problems and removing noxious weeds from our shorelines.

Class size is limited so there is an application process. The deadline is Friday, February 22nd at 5 PM. There is a $30 materials fee for the course.

For an application or more information, contact Chrys Bertolotto, (425) 357-6020 or chrys@wsu.edu. Application materials are also available at www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu (just click on Snohomish / Skagit Counties).

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Starlight Beach Walks!

Edmonds Olympic Beach (Jan 19) and Kayak Point County Park (Feb 17), 7 – 8:30 PM

Familiar shorelines turn surprisingly magical as amazing creatures are uncovered during nighttime low tides of winter. You are invited to immerse yourself in the chilly ambiance of a starlit beach while exploring new wonders while the waters recede. Join beach naturalists from WSU Beach Watchers, City of Edmonds, Snohomish County Marine Resources Committee and People for Puget Sound for an evening of discovery. Please bring flashlights or lanterns and wear rain gear and warm layers. Sturdy footwear or rubber boots are recommended. For directions or more information, contact Chrys Bertolotto, WSU Beach Watchers, (425) 357-6020 or chrys@wsu.edu.

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FOCUS THE NATION: FREE Webcast Screening of “The 2% Solution”

January 30, Weds, 5 – 8 PM, McCollum Park (Cougar Room) Everett

600 128th St. SE, Everett, WA 98208,

You are invited to learn more about what you can do to create hope despite climate change challenges. We will dialogue with community members, WSU Staff and Snohomish County representatives.

"The 2% Solution" will join Stanford University climate scientist, Stephen Schneider, sustainability expert Hunter Lovins and green jobs pioneer Van Jones along with activists and experts from around the world. This Webcast will provide participants the opportunity to vote for solutions to climate change and interact with the webcast from various positions throughout the country.

Members of the community, 4-H, WSU Extension Forestry, Beach Watchers and Master Gardeners will be there to answer questions. The WSU Extension Natural Resources team will be hosting the event and working with the folks interested in youth programming around this topic. Additionally, representation from Snohomish County Climate Change Initiative and the County Council will be available to discuss what is happening on the County level.

FOR MORE INFO: Call (425) 357-6011 or gabrielle90@wsu.edu. For information on other Focus the Nation events in your area check out: http://www.focusthenation.org/2percentsolution.php