PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Marine Science Center’s marine exhibit opens for the spring season today to offer visitors up-close-and-personal contact with area sea life.
A variety of sea animals are in open pools at the exhibit at the end pier at Fort Worden State Park.
Hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.
“What’s great about this exhibit is that it’s so interactive,” said Ashleigh Pilkerton, one of four AmeriCorps volunteers who assist in running the display.
“People have an opportunity to touch animals and understand how different they are from us.”
The 32-year-old facility provides educational programs and exhibits centered around the study and preservation of the Salish Sea.
The Salish Sea includes the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound, as well as all their connecting channels and adjoining waters, and the waters around and between the San Juan Islands in Washington state and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia.
The marine exhibit is one of two marine science center exhibition spaces.
The natural history building is open year-round.
A $5 charge covers daily admission to both locations, with those from age 6 to 17 charged $4 and those younger than 5 admitted free.
“In addition to the two buildings, the center plans to unveil new programs later this month that are to be located on the pier and free of charge,” Executive Director Janine Boire said.
“Nothing says spring like spawning sea urchins,” she added, providing one reason why people should visit.
The marine exhibit hours will change June 5 to a summer schedule and will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Tuesday.
“We’re opening some exciting new exhibits for the summer season that will be located outside and will be all about inviting people into deeper engagement,” Boire said.
From Sept. 11 to Nov. 29, the hours will be same as those in the spring.
Pilkerton said children especially enjoy the ability to touch animals such as anemones.
These invertebrates seem to reach out and grab the children’s skin, delighting most of the kids until they learn that the movement is part of the anemone’s hunting process, which includes stinging its prey.
An anemone’s stinger, however, isn’t strong enough to break human skin.
“When you tell the kids they are being stung, there are different reactions,” Pilkerton said.
“Some kids are entranced, while others will shy away.”
Boire said the center’s annual budget is about $650,000, with income coming from fees, grants and contributions.
For more information, go to www.ptmsc.org.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.