06/19/2026
On Wednesday, June 3rd, our Stewards got out to Madrona Beach for Intertidal Monitoring! During this session, our seasoned volunteers were joined by some of the recently-graduated class of 2026. These newly minted Stewards just finished a 10-week educational course which introduced them to a wide range of fascinating subjects focused on Island County. While classes covered marine mammals, weather, and local geology, a favorite activity among stewards is discovering firsthand the unique invertebrates and plant life that call our intertidal zones home.
During an intertidal monitoring session, our volunteers measure, examine, and document select areas of the beach at low tide, identifying what beings are residing there and recording details about the shoreline. This information helps us better understand what species are consistently present, how the shoreline is changing, and build data to track shifts over time.
Many of our volunteers look forward to monitoring events every year, and have loyally returned to the shores for the lowest tides of the season. The joy of discovery is difficult to match, and sharing it only makes it better. Feel free to say hello if you see us at an Island County beach we're monitoring--- we're always happy to answer questions and chat about our work!
One of our dedicated Stewards, Stacey T., sums up what she likes about the activity well: "I enjoy intertidal monitoring because beaches are one of my favorite places to be. It's also a great opportunity to be outside with others who are curious about our nearshore and to get to know them. I love the smell of the salty sea, and we collect data used by scientists and students of the Salish Sea."
What's the coolest thing you have ever found at the beach? Answer in the comments below!
