Field Trip 3 - Seattle Naturalists Intro Natural World Course - Golden Gardens

We'll start our intertidal exploration by discussing how the rocky shore habitat hosts a rich diversity of organisms in our region. Gain insights into the role of tides and other physical and biological factors that shape this dynamic environment. We'll observe patterns of vertical zonation and think about who lives there and why as we make our way down to the beach, exposed rocks and eelgrass that is teeming with life. Learn to recognize and identify a diverse array of intertidal species, from colorful nudibranchs and resilient barnacles to predator sea stars and the many growth forms and colors of algae.

• -3.32' lowest tide at 12:03 pm
• We will start exploring ~ 2 hours before the lowest tide to allow ample time to explore as the tide rolls out to its low point.
• Please ensure you feel comfortable walking on rocky and potentially slippery, seaweed- and barnacle-covered rocks.
• Expect detailed information by email ~ 1 week before the field trip.

• Water-ready footwear, preferably closed toe shoes or boots to avoid sharp rocks/barnacles. Footwear should have  good tread/grip for slippery rocks
• Shorts or pants that can be rolled up since we will be walking in the water, sometimes knee-deep
• Loupe and/or camera for observing small details in marine life

Recommended field guides:

• The Explore our Puget Sound Beaches field guide found on the Seattle Aquarium website is useful.

Let's meet at 10 am meet in front of the bathhouse. There is ample parking, but Golden Gardens Park can be a very busy place any time of the week. Please consider this in your plans to arrive on time.