The San Juan Nature Institute and Salmonberry School are teaming up to continue a research project on Indian Island this summer. This program is partially funded with a grant from the Orcas Island Community Foundation, and is being made available to all Orcas students in grades 3-7.

The program will include onsite investigations; field trips to do comparative study of different island tide pools; and classroom time to compile, graph and discuss the results of the investigative work. Young explorers can work with professional researchers such as Fiona Norris of the Nature Institute, Dr Russell Barsh of KWIAHT, and Nick Teague of the Bureau of Land Management. The research is not just a learning opportunity, the results are an important part of helping the researchers better understand and preserve the health of this important Orcas landmark.

During the especially low tides in June and July, students will be surveying declining eel grass beds and mapping horse clam densities. The eel grass work will include a microscopic search for organisms living on the eel grass and attempting to assess the role these organisms have on eel grass vitality.

Dr. Barsh will also spend time with the students exploring the Indian Island’s historical importance to both the Coast Salish peoples and early settlers. The Bureau of Land Management is going to be working with the students to develop interpretive displays for the island and help remove invasive plant species.

The program will be meeting from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on June 3 and running through July 31. There are registration options for lessons in June only, July only or both. Space is limited. Contact Andria at 376-5111 for more information.