SUNDAY, 5/7 @ 11:00AM Topic: Olympia Oyster Restoration in Kilisut Harbor (Presentation & Beach Walk) Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/606275545477 Locations: 11:00AM @ Hospital at Fort Flagler State Park; 12:30PM @ Mystery Bay State Park Description: Olympia oysters are the only native oyster on the US West Coast. They create habitat, filter water, and developed populations enhance the nearshore marine food web. Kilisut Harbor was and continues to be home to an Olympia oyster population. Although native oysters persist, local aggregations are now sparse. Puget Sound Restoration Fund, in partnership with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee, are exploring restoration possibilities in Kilisut Harbor for this native species. In these talks and beach walk, we will share information on oyster biology, restoration techniques, and successful projects, and discuss options for next steps. For attendees participating in the beach walk, please note that a Discovery Pass is required. The presentation will take place at Fort Flagler at 11:00AM. Then we’ll be asking attendees to drive to Mystery Bay State Park and meet up at 12:30 for a beach walk. Presenters: Brian Allen is the Habitat Restoration Director for Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF). He is one of PSRF's in-house ecologists and is interested in all things marine – both as a scientist and a forager. Chris Eardley is the Puget Sound Shellfish Policy Coordinator for the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he oversees the agency’s role with Olympia oyster restoration. Hilary Hayford, PhD, is the Habitat Research Director for PSRF, helping to develop and implement strategic, science-based plans for Olympia oyster and bull kelp habitat restoration. She is an ecologist with over 20 years’ experience in coastal biological and oceanographic research. Neil Harrington is an Environmental Biologist for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe’s Natural Resources Department and a member of the Jefferson Marine Resources Committee. His work focuses on harmful algal blooms, native Olympic oyster habitat restoration, invasive European green crabs, Dungeness crab larval monitoring, and outreach and education. *All speakers may not be present at both online and in-person events. Friends of Fort Flagler is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoring, preserving, and protecting the natural and historic resources of Fort Flagler State Park. Please support our state park by becoming a member, volunteering or donating to our organization. To learn more, visit https://friendsoffortflagler.org/.
