For Immediate Release Date: February 2, 2012 Contact: Peg Tillery or Renee Johnson Washington State University Kitsap County Extension Phone (360) 337- 7157 ptillery@kitsap.wa.us <mailto:ptillery@kitsap.wa.us> kgicourses@gmail.com <mailto:kgicourses@gmail.com> Learn how to protect, preserve, and appreciate Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula's natural wonders through free classes offered this spring (Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula, WA) Class participants will explore the environment and learn about the connection between our behavior and local water issues. Classes include in class and out in the field experiences to learn about stewardship of our natural resources and properties. Classes begin on March 4. Classes include: Shoreline Living- March 4 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Nichols Community Center, Fox Island Native Plants- March 19 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Gig Harbor Civic Center Care and Feeding of Septic Systems- March 25 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Key Peninsula Fire Station. Attendees can attend one or all of these classes. Local opportunities to volunteer will also be presented by speakers at each talk. During training, class participants will discover how their everyday actions impact water quality while they learn about a range of topics including natural yard care, native plants, shoreline living, maintenance and care of septic systems, and beach etiquette. They will also learn about sea creatures such as clams, crabs, salmon, seaweed, and invertebrates. Some training sessions will include a fun and informative outdoor field trip. After attending one or all of the workshops, participants who wish can become involved by attending additional free spring and summer classes, or by volunteering through Harbor WildWatch. Opportunities include future classes like Washington SeaGrant's Bivalves for Clean Water and the State of the Oyster Study, and Harbor WildWatch's "Get Your Feet Wet" and "Pier into the Night" programs. Other exciting opportunities include helping with interactive touch tanks, interpretive beach walks, and night-time sea-life exploration. For more information or to register for classes, please contact Renee Johnson at kgicourses@gmail.com <mailto:kgicourses@gmail.com> or (360) 337-7157. These free classes are funded by the Department of Ecology, sponsored by Pierce County Shellfish Partners, and brought to you by Harbor WildWatch, the Pierce Conservation District, and the Kitsap County WSU Extension. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office. Erin Ewald Pierce Conservation District o(253) 884-9474 c(253) 606-2585 www.piercecd.org