University of Washington Professor of Wildlife Science Aaron Wirsing has been spending quite a bit of time tromping around the North Cascades researching the relationship between a beautiful wild cat and its prey:

How long do the live?  How many young do they have?  How big do they get?  What is their favorite food?

Can they get along without each other?  What affect will global warming have on the Lynx and Hare?  Who preys on the Lynx?  What predators compete with the Lynx?  Where are the found in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest?  What type of Habitat do they require?

Find out at the NW Stream Center in Everett on…

Date:  Thursday, August 26, 2010

Time:  7 p.m.

Tickets:  $5 AASF Members; $7 Non-members

Minimum Class size:  20

Audience: 4th grade to adult

TO register or formore information visit their website at: http://www.streamkeeper.org/aasf/Aug_Classes.html

Here is a list of some guidelines to minimize the potential impact a visit to the beach will have on the marine communities living there:

• Leave living animals and plants where you found them. Moving species from one portion of the beach to another or taking them home with you, not only decreases (or eliminates) their chance of survival, it can also effect the survival of other organisms, who may depend on the removed species for their survival (Snively 1989). Tidepools in different regions of the beach have different salinities. A change in salinity can be fatal to organisms.
• Replace rocks to their original position. If you do turn rocks over, do it gently so as not to crush any animals living underneath. Put rocks back the way you found them, again being careful not to crush the animals underneath. If rocks are not put back the way they were found, the animals which have been displaced may die of exposure to the sun and air.
• If harvesting for clams, oysters, mussels and other shellfish, collect only the number you will eat and stay within the government-set limits. Overharvesting threatens species survival. Contact the local Fisheries and Oceans office to obtain information on the minimum size and maximum number harvestable. Inform yourself about “red tide” (which is fatal), if you plan to harvest shellfish.
• Avoid walking on animals. At low tide, many animals such as barnacles, mussels, and limpets, close up to protect themselves from drying out. Their protective shell is vital to their survival. Walking on them can damage and crush organisms.
• Fill in any holes. Unnatural piles of sand from excavated holes may kill other animals whose burrows can no longer reach the surface.
• Leave the beach cleaner than you found it. Human garbage (i.e. plastics) often ends up on the beach. This can kill marine life which either becomes entangled in it or ingests it. It is collectively our responsibility to clean up our garbage!

On Saturday, April 24th, 2010 the Community Wildlife Habitat certification celebration will take place at Yost Park located at 9535 Bowdoin Way in conjunction with the City of Edmonds annual Watershed Fun Fair. On Sunday, April 25th, 2010 the certification celebration continues with the grand opening of the Edmonds Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden at 95 Pine Street , sponsored by the Pilchuck Audubon. This event will also include tour maps to Edmonds Backyard Habitat Certified Yards.

From 11AM to 4PM on Saturday, April 24th, the Watershed Fun Fair & Habitat Certification Celebration will feature displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for all residents of Edmonds and other visitors. There will be guided nature walks, face painting, and storytelling in a giant turtle tent. Some Participants include the Pilchuck Audubon Society, WSU Beach Watchers, Stilly-Snohomish Fisheries Enhancement Task Force, PAWS Wildlife Center, Bats Northwest, Washington Butterfly Association, Just Frogs/Toads Too and the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. The Bubble Man will be here as well!!

Chris Anderson of the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife will address the crowd, and a cake will be shared amongst the community in celebration of our joint efforts. A Native American blessing on the Earth, plants, and animals will be followed by an all-species parade. Everyone is invited to bring or wear a wildlife related costume, wings, etc. There will be tables set-up throughout the day with craft ideas and materials for making all- species costumes, instruments and masks.

National Wildlife Federation’s very own Ranger Rick will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

From 1PM to 3:30 PM on Sunday, April 25th there will be an open house at the Willow Creek Hatchery Garden at 95 Pine St. and Backyard Wildlife Habitat gardens open for visiting. At each of these gardens, which vary widely in size and focus, the owners are available to discuss gardening and habitat techniques. Maps to these gardens are available for pick-up at the Willow Creek Wildlife Habitat & Native Plant Demonstration Garden , 95 Pine Street on Sunday. This event is sponsored by Pilchuck Audubon.

Help remove litter from the shoreline of Edmonds Marine Sanctuary, and explore the beach during a -1.7 low tide with a Ranger-Naturalist!  Meet at the Visitor Station, Olympic Beach.  Wear your gloves and boots, we will provide the bags.  Individuals of all ages and groups are welcome to participate.  No registration is necessary.  Call 425-771-0227 for more information.