Outdoors

POSTED: Thursday, Dec. 04, 2008

OUTDOORS: Winter weather perfect for night at the beach

The days are shorter and the weather is cooler at this time of year.

Not exactly perfect conditions for a trip to the beach.

But an the evening beach walk at Marine Park in Fairhaven on Friday, Dec. 12, could be the perfect cure, even though the flip-flops and sunglasses need to be swapped out for rubber boots and flashlights.

Beach naturalists, biologists and naturalist volunteers will guide participants at 8 p.m. for a two-hour walk along the shore. Participants can expect to see some sea life that would otherwise be hiding during daylight hours.

"It's getting people to get out and see the marine life that we have in the Puget Sound that are often overlooked," said Doug Stark education coordinator for RE Sources Doug Stark. "An evening beach walk can be amazing for many people that haven't been on one before."

This is the sixth year the Beach Naturalist Program has organized the evening beach walks, and Stark said every time he goes out for one there is always some variation.

"Every place that we go is different from the other," Stark said in a phone interview. "At Marine Park I have a pretty good idea you can expect to see sunflower stars. I'm always a little surprised how it's always a little different."

With the especially low tide, participants can expect to see many 24-legged sunflower stars. Kelp crabs and nudibranchs (also known as sea slugs) also may appear at night. Young sea stars also may come out onto the shore at night.

The walk on Dec. 12 is one of three planned nighttime beach walks planned Beach Naturalist Program. There is one planned for January at Larabee State Park and one in February at Semiahmoo County Park in Blaine, but dates for the later two walks are still being firmed up.

It is a hands-on event, and trained volunteers are present to answer questions about the wildlife.

"It provides an opportunity for the public to see what's out there and let them know what people can do year round to improve the bay and marina environment and how valuable they are, too, creatures," Stark said.

The tour is a family-friendly adventure. However, some of the terrain may be slippery, and close adult supervision is encouraged for the safety of children.

Participants are encouraged to dress for cold and rainy weather. Sturdy rubber boots are suggested as well as layered clothing. A shell coat also is recommended to protect against rain and/or wind. Participants also should bring their own flashlights and/or headlamps. A beach walk has yet to be cancelled because of weather, but Stark encourages people to make reservations for the free event so they can be notified of a cancellation if a storm were to occur.

"Otherwise, it's generally rain or shine," he said.

To make a reservation or to find out more information visit www.resources.org or e-mail Stark at doug@re-sources.org. While the event is free, donations are appreciated to support the volunteer program.

Refreshments will be served around a bonfire after the walk.