At Damon Point, on the southern tip of the Ocean Shores peninsula, morning low tides in spring and summer create opportunities for fun and educational field trips to explore the tide pools in and around the rocks on the beach.

The Coastal Interpretive Center, at 1033 Catala Ave. SE, offers guided tide pool adventures to schools and other groups. They are usually led by the Center’s Lead Docent, Steve Green. They can be booked by calling the Center at 360/289-4617.

An avid outdoorsman and self-taught expect on local flora and fauna, Green has been guiding visitors through a variety of area outdoor scenes, settings and experiences for several years. He books private tours with his North Beach Adventures at 360/581-7425.

Green recently led members of Boy Scout Troop 603 from Yelm and classes from McDermoth Elementary School in Aberdeen, as they enjoyed visits to the Interpretive Center and the tide pool area at Damon Point.

Days of discovery

Treat your 10-12 year olds to a day of ecologic discovery at the Coastal Interpretive Center the summer. Four modules are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday July 12, July 19, July 26, and Aug. 2. The program is free for all participants, including a free lunch provided by the Green Lantern Restaurant.

Marine life will be explored at Damon Point on July 12, while local plant and animal ecology will be examined on July 19. Coastal forest communities will be the focus on July 26, and freshwater ecology in Duck Lake will be examined on Aug. 2.

All classes will stage out of the Interpretive Center, except freshwater ecology, which will assemble at Bill Ellis Park. Each student will receive a Certificate of Completion and be able to keep their personal field guide. Please contact the Interpretive Center at (360) 289-4617 to register. Each class is limited to 12 participants, but children can attend all four modules if they choose.