Sitka Sound Science Center: Sitka Alaska - An alaska science center dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the Gulf of Alaska through education and research

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Aialik glacier, Kenai Fjords NP, Alaska

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SSSC Summer Camp 2018 Flyer

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2018 Summer Camp Flyer

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SSSC 2016 Summer Interpreter Position - Adults

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SSSC 2016 Summer Interpreter Position - HighSchool

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Aquarium Scavenger Hunt drawing

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Aquarium Closed for Renovations

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St George Is Cleanup 2016 (1)

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St George Is Cleanup 2016 (2)

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Pink & Chum Net Pens in front of SSSC -PC-RVallion

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SEASWAP TAGS

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Guided Beach Walk

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Tidepool Adventure - July 23 2016

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Ann Beaudreau at IMCC

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Russ Jones at IMCC

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2014-06-10 14.58.56

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Interest in Vessel Based Marine Debris Cleanups in Southeast Alaska

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Herring talk v2

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earning college credit

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bio175-website

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2016-sssc-annual-newsletter

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intro by Jason

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NHS - January 19 2017

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Eco-Discovery

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bts molluscs

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jarrod ponding

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Little_Brown_Bat_Hanging for website post

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Rosa bio pic 1

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dive team

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Unusual SE AK FB post

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Chance bio cropped

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Verde bio

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dungeness crab

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SSSC Summer Camps

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Square Rigged

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Mast Diagram

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Cece headshot

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Eco Discovery

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Family Night

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Cadets and Clams flyer color

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Gift Shop

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Ben Campen

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Cadets and Clams flyer color

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Coffee & Quarks

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SPL Lecture Flyer

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Junior Naturalist Flyer

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EM photo

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Natural History - Bears

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sprouts_flyer

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Haunted Aquarium Poster

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photoPetty

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Symposium

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Eco-Discovery Salmon

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sage 2014

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Stafford pic

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AOAN

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Spalt Wood

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Seal photo

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von_duyke_NHS Flyer

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slider NHS

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2018 Summer Camp Flyer PNG

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2018 Summer Camp Flyer

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Camp Rock (2)

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AN w COHA_crop

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SCS logo

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Jr. Naturalist Reboot_crop

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Library Dedication

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Walk Through Time Log Haul

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Lucy O Cost Recovery

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AK Air Raffle Flyer

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Alana Peterson

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OBFS

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Ecosystem Carving

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octopus-tentacles

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Summer Camp

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Octopus Encounter 1

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Boat Ramp Fill

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The Case of the Shrimp Snatcher

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page01

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NHS - Finding and Firing Prospecing for Ceramic Art (1)

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SEASWAP Published in Student Science

sssc — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 01:31:09 +0000

Check out this wonderful article published in Science News for Students about the SEASWAP (Southeast Alaska Sperm Whale Avoidance Project) whale decoy work. https://student.societyforscience.org/article/faking-out-whales

Phytoplankton Talk

sssc — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 18:55:20 +0000

New Science Outreach Coordinator

sssc — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 02:20:43 +0000

Please help us welcome Mia Kuartei to our team. We are very excited to have her aboard! Mia is the new Science Outreach Coordinator and Sitka WhaleFest Director. Mia Kuartei is completing her MEd in Learning Design & Technology at UAS. Originally from Palau, she earned her undergraduate degrees in International Studies and Secondary Education - Social Studies from Taylor University; after teaching and working in curriculum development has spent the last 11 years working in Community and Youth Development Programs in Seattle and San Francisco. Mia loves the island life in Sitka, being on or under the sea, and exploring the outdoors with her husband, Truman, an active duty U.S. Coast Guard member.

New Staff Member

sssc — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 02:18:31 +0000

We welcomed Debra Corbell to our team this week. She is a great contribution to the Science Center! Debra Corbell is the Marine Debris Grant Administrator at the Sitka Sound Science Center. She was raised in North Carolina and received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at UNC-Chapel Hill. Shortly after graduation in 2000, she migrated to the West Coast where she has found her true love, the Pacific Ocean. She worked in graphic design for a merchandising company for many years as she moved up and down the California coast. In the summer of 2014, she decided to make Sitka, Alaska her home and take on the adventure of becoming a commercial fisherman. While not working on boat, many days have been spent on remote beaches finding marine debris that she likes to call “treasure.”

Winter Film Series Kicks off at Sitka National Historical Park

sssc — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 19:12:59 +0000

Thank you Alaska Airlines, for your generous donation!

sssc — Sat, 16 Jan 2016 19:42:03 +0000

Alaska Airlines generously donated $15,000 to Sitka Sound Science Center for science education programs including Sprouts (preschool); Discovery Days (Saturday family programs), summer camps and other after school programs. The funds will support the Science Center education mission and engage the U.S. Coast Guard families. Pictured from Left to right: SSSC Board Co-Chair Trish White, VP of Sitka Coast Guard Spouses and Women’s Association Carlene Gagnon, SSSC Research Biologist Lauren Bell, SSSC Aquarium Manager Ashley Bolwerk, SSSC Co-Chair Kitty LaBounty, Alaska Airlines Foundation Executive Director Tim Thompson, SSSC Executive Director Lisa Busch, USCG Air Station Commander Mark Vislay, and USCG Air Station Command Master Chief Alan Fowler.

Summer Interpreter Applications Available Now!

sssc — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 14:00:59 +0000

The Sitka Sound Science Center is currently accepting applications for Summer Interpreters that will help us welcome and educate visitors during our busy summer season! With the large influx of visitors, additional staff is required to seize this opportunity to fulfill our mission of increasing the understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Alaska through the Molly O. Ahlgren Aquarium and Sheldon Jackson Hatchery. Summer staff are invaluable additions to the SSSC team; working to build on Sitka’s legacy and potential as an education and scientific community. Summer interpreters will gain valuable experience in routine aquarium and facility maintenance and aiding in operations related to the research and education mission of the SSSC. Regular duties will include: leading aquarium and hatchery tours, answering visitor’s questions, managing the entrance desk, and assisting with facility maintenance (feeding fish, cleaning classrooms, aquariums, etc.). Occasionally summer interpreters will likely be involved in collecting specimens, web updates, citizen science data collection, summer camp assistance, and specific individual projects to be assigned based on individual scientific interest! For more information about how to apply, download the Summer Interpreter Position application instructions: SSSC 2016 Summer Interpreter Position - Adults SSSC 2016 Summer Interpreter Position - HighSchool

2016 Summer Camp Registration now open for members!

sssc — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 20:44:27 +0000

NEWS FLASH!! 2016 Summer Camp Registration is now open for members! SSSC Members, check your email for the registration announcement and link to the online registration form. General registration will open on Wednesday, March 9th. For more information or questions, contact Janet Clarke at (907) 747-8878 or jclarke@sitkascience.org.

Picture1

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New opportunity for undergraduate students to do research on giant kelp!

Alex R — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 17:28:55 +0000

We are seeking undergraduate students in Sitka interested in marine research

The project, “Nutritional quality and composition of Macrocystis pyrifera at the northern end of its range”, will provide an opportunity for 3 undergraduate students in Sitka to: - Learn about kelp forest ecosystems and coastal marine food webs - Take charge of their own scientific inquiry through sample collections, data analysis and interpretation of results - Learn and apply field sampling techniques using snorkel and/or scuba - Gain boating and safety-at-sea skills - Be a part of a collaborative team of students and marine researchers All project sampling expenses will be covered, along with the cost for students to attend a national conference to present their work (Alaska Marine Science Symposium, January 2019). We are looking for motivated students living in Sitka that are interested in science, gaining field sampling skills and that can work independently. Our ideal candidate will be in Sitka and available during 2018 and 2019. If you are interested in this unique opportunity contact Dr. Alexandra Ravelo aravelo@sitkascience.org or 907-474-8878, ext. 9

Welcome Andrew Von Duyke January Scientist in Residency!

Alex R — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 17:00:17 +0000

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Andrew Von Duyke as our next Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from, January 7^th to February 8^th, 2018. Andrew is a wildlife biologist at the North Slope Borough Department of Wildlife Management (NSB-DWM) in Barrow, Alaska. Andrew studied at Purdue University, where he studied mechanical design and biology. Early on, Andy designed everything from medical products to toys, and he has 15 patents. Jumping at a chance to winter-over at Palmer Station, Antarctica, Andy wore many hats (e.g., carpenter, electrician, welder); but found marine science the most gratifying. After his time on the ice, Andy earned a Master’s in conservation biology from the University of Minnesota. He has worked with wolves, moose, waterbirds, and shorebirds; has taught several college courses; and mentors wildlife biology undergrads. Currently, Andy leads ice-seal and polar bear research at the NSB-DWM. His research investigates the spatial ecology of ringed-, spotted-, and bearded-seals. He also studies non-invasive genetic sampling methods for polar bears and seals; and is deeply involved in polar bear policy. Andy is a member of the ESA Polar Bear Recovery Team, the Scientific Working Group of the US-Russia Bilateral Commission, and the Polar Bear Technical Committee. He was also a US delegate to the Polar Bear Range States and US-Russia Bilateral meetings. In his free time, Andy plays guitar, dogsleds, and enjoys outdoors. Sitkans can also learn about Andrew’s research on Raven Radio’s morning interview on January 10^th at 8:10am. Andrew will then expand upon his research in a Natural History seminar, on issues for Arctic wildlife research and conservation, on January 18^th at 7:30pm, UAS room 229. Once classes commence, Andrew will be working with the field science classes from Sitka High School and Mount Edgecumbe High School to non-invasive genetic sampling techniques for mammals. In addition, he will be visiting other classrooms of schools in Sitka to talk about his research on the ecology of seals in the Arctic and the interesting paths in life that can lead you to a career in science. The SIRF program, with support from the National Science Foundation, brings preeminent scientists from across the country to Sitka for month long sabbaticals, allowing for undisturbed research, free from the interruptions of their daily routine. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. For more information or to schedule a SIRF event please contact Alexandra Ravelo, SIRF Director, 907.747.8878 ext. 9 Listen to Andrew's interview on Raven Radio here Natural History Seminar talk January, 18 summary

Summer Camp Registartion Countdown!

KristinaT — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The SSSC Summer Camp Registration countdown has begun! In exactly three weeks summer camp registration will be available online on our website or in-person at the Science Center. Stay tuned for more summer camp information and our theme reveal. Email Kristina at ktirman@sitkascience.org with any questions.

Summer Camp Registration Open Feb. 4th!

KristinaT — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Apply here

Alex R — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 01:59:35 +0000

Sitka Sound Science Center

Scientists in Residency Fellowship

Arctic and Subarctic Mid-Career Scientists

Application Announcement for 2018-19

Overview Sitka Sound Science Center will hold 2-3 one-month Scientist in Residency Fellowships (SIRF) for mid-career scientists throughout the 2018/2019 academic year in Sitka, a geographically isolated island community in Southeast Alaska. This program is funded by the National Science Foundation. The SIRF program brings polar and subarctic scientists to Sitka for one-month mini sabbaticals to allow scientists time to work on completing data analysis, writing research results, thinking about new research questions and how their work can be integrated into other scientific work. At the same time the SIRF program will provide community engagement opportunities for scientists to give educational presentations in the schools and in a variety of public settings and to participate in science communication training. The purpose of these outreach activities is to help improve science literacy, provide opportunities for scientists to explain their research to the public and to give students insight into the many career paths available in science. The Fellowship is limited to US Citizens and is intended for mid-career scientists (not graduate students). Sitka Sound Science Center Sitka Sound Science Center is a nonprofit Field Station and Marine Laboratory with a mission to increase scientific understanding and awareness of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in Alaska. Our vision is to build on Sitka’s legacy as a research and educational community. The Center owns the 1929 Sage Building which was once the scientific classrooms and laboratories of Sheldon Jackson College. We operate a salmon hatchery as a training facility for fisheries management and aquaculture. We also operate a small aquarium that receives thousands of visitors each summer. We have salt and fresh water research facilities that support scientific research and we provide other support and services for visiting scientists from around the nation. Details This program is funded by the National Science Foundation. It is intended for mid-career scientists and is not appropriate for graduate students. Each SIRF Fellow will receive a $2,400 stipend, per diem, accommodation at SSSC housing (usually an efficiency apartment), and domestic travel expenses (not to exceed $1,400). SIRF Fellows must spend the full month in Sitka with one week largely assigned to outreach and education in the classroom (all grade levels) and/or community presentations. Fellows should be prepared for community engagement as the atmosphere in this rural, coastal town is conducive to direct conversations and interactions. As part of the fellowship Fellows will be required to participate in science communication training to enhance their communication skills specific to rural Alaska. The application form should be filled out and submitted with the other application materials. Formal education, degrees, and publications are not eligibility requirements, but should be listed if applicable. Your ability to communicate science to a wide audience is equally as valued in this fellowship as your scientific research, as is your willingness to improve upon your communication skills, so please be sure your application reflects this as well.

Download application here: SIRF Fellowship letter and application_2018-19

Submission: All the information requested on the application form must be submitted for your application to be considered.

Please submit your application materials to aravelo@sitkascience.org

Applications are due at SSSC no later than March 1st.

If you cannot submit electronic copies of your application (Word or PDF) please mail your application to:

Dr. Alexandra Ravelo, Sitka Sound Science Center, 834 Lincoln Street, Sitka, AK 99835

Notification of applicants chosen for the program are anticipated by end of April, 2018.

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smcclung@sitkascience.org — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 19:14:21 +0000

Summer camp 2019 Flyer

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:51:18 +0000

Paint & Snack

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 19:12:25 +0000

Octopus Encounter

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:53:11 +0000

NHS Talk

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 18:20:50 +0000

Docent training starting soon!

sssc — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 00:14:28 +0000

The Sitka Sound Science Center is recruiting docents for this year!! This an exciting volunteer opportunity to share local marine science research projects and contribute to Sitka's science legacy! Contact our Aquarium Manager at abolwerk@sitkascience.org to learn more!!

Sitka Sound Research at Alaska Marine Science Symposium!

sssc — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 23:45:30 +0000

SSSC's Research Biologist and SIRF Director Lauren Bell (@lobell_ak) and Taylor White are at the Alaska Marine Science (http://amss.nprb.org/) Symposium this week to share their research made possible through Alaska Sea Grant (seagrant.uaf.edu/)!! #sitkascience

Scientists in the Schools brings "Currents" theme to 3rd graders

sssc — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 00:58:10 +0000

A round of applause for 3rd graders at Keet Goshi Heen ES (http://sitkaschools.org/kgh) and their teachers for their amazing and enthusiastic participation in the January theme of "Currents" with the Scientists in the Schools program! Special thanks to visiting scientist and seabird researcher Veronica Padula!

U.S. Coast Guard Academy cadet and SSSC intern Karisa Maurer recognized at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium!

sssc — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 01:44:50 +0000

[caption id="attachment_9698" align="aligncenter" width="572"] US Coast Guard Academy Cadet and SSSC Intern Karisa Maurer at the 2016 Alaska Marine Science Symposium[/caption] Karisa was one of the two US Coast Guard Academy cadets at the Sitka Sound Science Center for a 6-week internship during the summer of 2015. During the internship, she developed a project to monitor kelp forest extent changes alongside environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity, fluorescence) as part of our Alaska SeaGrant funded Coastal Resiliency Project. Karisa designed a poster to explain her methodology, first year of results, and the ongoing partnership between SSSC and USCGA.

This summer, two new USCG Academy cadets will continue and expand upon Karisa’s project. During this year's Alaska Marine Science Symposium in Anchorage, the Alaska SeaGrant's Marine Advisory Program and the Alaska Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence (COSEE) recognized Karisa's undergraduate-level poster with a conference-wide announcement and cash award! We couldn't be more proud! See her poster here: Maurer Research Poster

@PopePolar is sharing his passion for glaciers with Sitka!

sssc — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 01:53:23 +0000

Have you met our current Scientist in Residency Fellow @PopePolar? He has been busy visiting all the schools and will be sharing more about glaciers in the coming weeks: Thursday, February 18, 2016 Science Cafe at the Sitka Sound Science Center 5:30 - 6:30 pm Thursday, February 25, 2016 Natural History Seminar at the University of Alaska Southeast, Sitka Campus 7:30 pm If you missed his interview on Raven Radio, you can hear it here.

2016 Food Web Cruise tickets now available!

sssc — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 04:08:37 +0000

The Sitka WhaleFest kicks off each spring with an annual cruise to explore the wildlife in Sitka Sound. From the spawning herring to the feeding whales, you will enjoy an exciting and up-close experience with the food web at this time of year. Hear from marine mammal biologists, historians, researchers, and other experts while enjoying a fresh, European-style breakfast buffet, donated by local businesses and friends of the Sitka Sound Science Center. Aboard a catamaran from Allen Marine, we depart Crescent Harbor on Saturday, March 26th at 9:00 am and return by 12:00 pm. Tickets are $55/person and will be available now online and this week at Old Harbor Books. For more information, contact Sitka WhaleFest Director Mia Kuartei at (907) 747-8878, ext. 2 or whalefest@sitkascience.org. Follow the Sitka WhaleFest on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Summer Camp Registrations Now Available!!

sssc — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 20:39:57 +0000

Summer camps are an important part of SSSC’s mission for increasing understanding and awareness of Sitka’s ecosystems. Throughout the year, our educational programs offer many opportunities for emerging scientists of all ages to join the scientific community. During the summer, our camps promise to be some of the most fun and adventurous experiences for being involved in science! Click here for Summer Camp Information and Registration!

Spring Break Scavenger Hunt

sssc — Sat, 12 Mar 2016 21:04:25 +0000

Spring Break Scavenger Hunt at the Sitka Sounds Science Center. Families are invited to explore our remarkable Science Center on Thursday, March 17th from 2:30 - 4 PM. Admission will be free for the Scavenger Hunt. A few lucky participants will even take home a prize bag (see image above). For more information call 747.8878.

Welcome Dr. Colleen Duncan, DVM to Sitka, as our spring Scientist in Residency Fellow!

sssc — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 00:05:50 +0000

We're excited to announce that Dr. Colleen Duncan, DVM, has arrived in Sitka as our early spring Scientist in Residency Fellow. Dr. Duncan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology at Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, Colorado. Colleen received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, her PhD in epidemiology from CSU, and board certifications from the American Colleges of Veterinary Preventative Medicine and Veterinary Pathology. Her interests include using diagnostic pathology to investigate population-level disease dynamics, as well as investigating the intersection of animal, human, and ecosystem health. In recent years, Dr. Duncan’s research has required her to travel throughout coastal Alaska for her fieldwork studying the ecology of infectious disease in both Northern Fur Seals and polar bears. During her Fellowship, Dr. Duncan is excited to share her work expertise and education experiences with the community of Sitka, and in particular with local students who may be interested in a career in veterinary medicine. Days after she arrives, Colleen will lead a harbor seal necropsy with the local Ocean Science Bowl club. She will guide Mount Edgecumbe High Schoolers in Anatomy and Marine Biology classes through an animal forensics unit, and discuss animal health with 8^th graders at Blatchley Middle School. Colleen can be heard on the KCAW radio morning interview on March 23^rd at 8:10am. She will be one of the many scientists onboard the Sitka WhaleFest Food Web Cruise on the morning of March 26^th (tickets available at www.sitkawhalefest.org and Old Harbor Books!). In the last week that she is here, Colleen will team up with local mammalogists to facilitate a community discussion about the health of animals in coastal Alaska, how this translates to human well-being and subsistence, and why this is important to the people of Sitka. This discussion will take place at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House on April 5^th at 7pm, and is free and open to all. Dates and times for all events will be posted on the Sitka Sound Science Center website and the online KCAW community calendar. The Sitka Sound Science Center, through funding from the National Science Foundation is once again hosting Scientist in Residency Fellowships (SIRF) here at our Center. Each year fellowships are awarded to preeminent scientists from across the country. This year the SIRF program is once again focused on arctic and subarctic science. The SIRF program brings scientists to Sitka for month long sabbaticals allowing for undisturbed research, free from the interruptions of their daily routine. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. For more information, visit our SIRF info page or to schedule a SIRF event please contact Lauren Bell, SIRF Director, 907.747.8878 ext. 9

Sitka WhaleFest Food Web Cruise tickets still available at Old Harbor Books and at www.sitkawhalefest.org!!!

sssc — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 21:51:03 +0000

It's been such a beautiful week and the wildlife in Sitka Sound has made it a spectacular and exciting time for everyone! Join us on Saturday, March 26th for our annual spring Food Web Cruise, a fundraiser for the Sitka WhaleFest this fall! Tickets ($55/person) are available at Old Harbor Books in downtown Sitka and online at www.sitkawhalefest.org. You will enjoy a delicious brunch and hear from scientists about the amazing wildlife that we have in Sitka Sound at this time of the year! For more information, call Mia Kuartei, Sitka WhaleFest Director at (907) 747-8878, ext. 2 or email whalefest@sitkascience.org.

Welcome to Ali Bayless, Scientist in the Schools for 1st Grade

sssc — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 18:44:20 +0000

Welcome to Ali Bayless. Ali will feature the Hawaiian ecosystem this Saturday during our Discovery Days "Where Do Our Whales Go?" event from 10 AM to 12 Noon. Open to members. Next week, Ali is our Scientist in the Schools for the 1st grade unit on Intertidal studies. Ali comes to us from the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Ali studies false killer whales and the tuna fishery as part of the SEASWAP research project.

Sitka Sound Science Center welcomes home town researcher, Alexis Will!

sssc — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 22:22:58 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [caption id="attachment_10271" align="alignnone" width="300"] Alexis grew up in Sitka and every summer went on a kayak trip with family. This led to a great love of the outdoors. As a volunteer field technician for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge on St. Lazaria the summer after her first year of college, Alexis found her calling and has spent every summer since working on various seabird colonies. In 2011, Alexis returned to St. Lazaria to collect data for a graduate degree and now a PhD from UAF. By understanding how seabirds respond to variability in their environment, Alexis believes that we can better understand how the marine ecosystem as a whole will respond to future changes. The Science Center is pleased to work with Alexis as our Scientist in the Schools for the Kindergarten classes' study of birds.[/caption] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Aquarium Closed for Renovations

sssc — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 18:26:59 +0000

The Aquarium will be closed to the public April 11-18 for renovations and yearly spring cleaning. Stop by next week to visit all of our happy, healthy critters.

Welcome SSSC Aquarium Intern Emily Frank!

sssc — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:11:54 +0000

Emily Frank is the Aquarium Intern at the Sitka Sound Science Center. The internship is her final step in acquiring her Associates Degree in Aquarium Science in June 2016. Originally from Virginia, Emily has lived in Oregon for the past 8 years. These last two years have been spent in Newport, Oregon in the Aquarium Science Program at Oregon Coast Community College. Her time there has included working at a fish hatchery, tagging sharks, designing an aquarium exhibit, plumbing new aquarium systems and hanging out in tanks with stingrays. Emily grew up with a love for the ocean and is excited to spend her internship caring for the animals at the Science Center and sharing her passion with others. This is also Emily’s first time in Alaska and she is very excited to explore Sitka! In her spare time, she likes to hike, camp, read, surf, and cuddle with her dog.

Sitka Geotask Force Summaries of the August 2015 Sitka Landslides now available

sssc — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:18:03 +0000

Read the Sitka Geotask Force Summaries of the August 2015 Sitka Landslides On August 18, 2015, a rapid, heavy rain event caused a series of deadly and damaging landslides in Sitka. There were over 40 slides that occurred on Baranof and Chichagof Islands that day. The biggest one, on Harbor Mountain, was 1,200 feet long, killed three men and caused massive damage to property on Kramer Avenue. Over the next days, weeks and months, the community of Sitka led by our Sitka Fire Department came together to support the search for the lost men, clear the roads and repair the damage to property. With this emergency, a new science community was also created. The Sitka GeoTask Force was formed by gathering geophysical experts from around Alaska and the country to pool existing information about the slide area, share information and help determine next steps in terms of research, synthesis and risk. Organized by the Sitka Sound Science Center, representatives with a breadth of knowledge about the region volunteered to share existing geotechnical information and work towards understanding what gaps in knowledge need to be filled. Members of the Sitka Geo Task Force readily and openly shared their scientific expertise all in the name of supporting a community in need.

SSSC welcomes our spring Scientist in Residency Fellow Dr. Jennifer Purcell

sssc — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 21:07:25 +0000

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Dr. Jennifer Purcell to Sitka as our spring Scientist in Residency Fellow, in Sitka from April 17 – May 16. Dr. Purcell is a Professor of Biology at the Shannon Point Marine Center of Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. Her research centers largely on the ecology of jellyfish, in particular their feeding behaviors, bloom dynamics, and interactions with fish. Jennifer received her Ph.D in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her career of research and teaching experiences has taken her around the world; she has studied the trophic interactions and population dynamics of jellyfish in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans, and she has held appointments at international academic institutions from Ireland to Taiwan. In recent years, one of Jennifer’s key research directions has been to explore the interactions of jellyfish and fish, especially in light of massive jellyfish blooms that have been occurring more recently in the Northern Pacific. During her Fellowship, Jennifer is excited to work with local fishermen and managers to share her expertise and discuss sampling techniques for monitoring jellyfish blooms in Sitka Sound. Soon after she arrives, Dr. Purcell can be heard on the KCAW radio morning interview at 8:10am on Wednesday, April 20^th. The following evening, Thursday, April 21^st, she will share her work during a Natural History Seminar talk entitled “Jellyfish in Changing Oceans” at 7:30pm in UAS room 229. Jennifer plans to discuss the global importance of jellyfish with K-12 grade and college-level students in Sitka, and hopes to get out on the water to capture some of the local jellies that inhabit our waters. Fourth graders participating in the spring BioBlitz on April 27^th will interact with Jennifer as she works alongside them to identify plankton species. Dates and times for all events will be posted on the Sitka Sound Science Center website and the online KCAW community calendar. The Sitka Sound Science Center, through funding from the National Science Foundation is once again hosting Scientist in Residency Fellowships (SIRF) here at our Center. Each year fellowships are awarded to preeminent scientists from across the country. This year the SIRF program is once again focused on arctic and subarctic science. The SIRF program brings scientists to Sitka for month long sabbaticals allowing for undisturbed research, free from the interruptions of their daily routine. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. For more information or to schedule a SIRF event please contact Lauren Bell, SIRF Director, 907.747.8878 ext. 9.

Natural History Seminar Series: Jellyfish in Changing Oceans with SIRF Dr. Jennifer Purcell

sssc — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 21:31:12 +0000

Natural History Seminar Series: Geology of Baranof Island - Volcanoes, Faults, and Gold

sssc — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 04:43:13 +0000

SSSC Research Biologist, Lauren Bell, featured in article on UAF Scientific Diving Program

sssc — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 19:13:27 +0000

https://web.sfos.uaf.edu/wordpress/news/?p=2337 [caption id="attachment_10336" align="alignnone" width="631"] The 2016 scientific diving group relaxes in Kasitsna Bay. Photo by Brenda Konar.[/caption]

Diving program gives students tools and experience for underwater research

Posted on April 28, 2016 by lcfrisch

An undergraduate student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks confirmed the first cases of sea star wasting disease in decades at Kasitsna Bay and Jackalof Bay, two tiny bays on the outskirts of Kachemak Bay near Homer. Zachary Goeden was taking “Field Studies in Subtidal Ecology,” a research-focused scientific diving course through the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, when he made the discovery in spring 2016.

Zachary Goeden, Nicole Farnham and Megumi Oya finish a dive in Kasitsna Bay. Photo by Brenda Konar.

The University of Alaska system-wide scientific diving program was started in 1989. SFOS professor Brenda Konar incorporated student training into the program when she started teaching scientific diving courses in 2000. “Almost every scientific diver in Alaska has interacted with Brenda, has been through her class or has been influenced by her approach to underwater research techniques,” said Lauren Bell, a recent UAF graduate and student in the scientific diving program. “To have such a high-caliber training program is really important, especially given the cold water and remote field sites that characterize marine research in Alaska.” Scientific Diving, the prerequisite to the field studies course, gives students the basic scuba and research skills needed to conduct dive-related fieldwork during a weeklong field component at the Kasitsna Bay Laboratory. “We give the students lots of different tasks to expose them to sampling techniques, or team them with a project the field studies divers are doing,” Konar said. “By the end of the week, the students have worked on a variety of projects and understand a bit better the different kinds of science they can do with diving, even on such a short timescale.” Trained scientific divers can enroll in the field studies course the following year, which focuses on completing a short research project in Kasitsna Bay. In 2016, Goeden was one of four students enrolled in the field studies course. Goeden expected to see sea stars infected with wasting disease in Kasitsna Bay and Jackolof Bay because they had been seen in the Kachemak Bay area. The disease can cause the limbs of sea stars to fall off, making the sea stars look as if they are melting or decomposing. In addition to confirming the presence of wasting disease in these two bays, Goeden wanted to begin to compare infection rates for different species of sea stars.

Wasting disease caused this sea star's arm to disconnect from its body. Photo by Brenda Konar.

He looked for the disease by conducting seventeen 45×2-meter scuba transects across both bays. Goeden and some volunteer divers from the scientific diving class swam from one end of each transect to the other, counting sea stars along the way. Goeden found that rates of wasting disease were higher in communities with higher densities of sea stars. More research is needed to understand how individual species in the region are likely to be affected. Graduates of the diving program, like Lauren Bell, are now doing diving-related work across Alaska. Bell works as a research biologist at the Sitka Sound Science Center, where she is involved in a number of diving-related projects, including monitoring kelp and abalone populations and the carbonate chemistry of kelp forests in Sitka Sound. Bell said conducting her field studies research project was one of the most valuable aspects of the program for her. It taught her how to think about what it meant to coordinate underwater research and design an appropriate project for a given question. Bell thinks scientific diving is an important tool for any marine biologist, especially those living on the coast. “It’s a hugely valuable skill for locally based science, and one that not many people are trained to do,” Bell said. “For any maritime community in Alaska, there’s a lot of opportunity to use diving to help people understand what’s going on in their backyard. Out-of-state collaborators are always pleasantly surprised that there’s someone in ‘remote’ Alaska with scientific diving qualifications.” ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Brenda Konar, bhkonar@alaska.edu, 907-474-5028; Lauren Bell, lbell@sitkascience.org, 907-747-8878 ext. 8.

Ludvig's Chowder is back for the summer in our Gift Shop!

sssc — Fri, 27 May 2016 18:31:36 +0000

A warm welcome back to Ludvigs Chowder Cart! They are back at the Science Center Gift Shop in our Mill Building this summer from 10am to 3pm on Tuesdays through Saturdays. Come on down and get some of their delicious chowder and sandwiches and see what's new in our Gift Shop.

Thanks to the Rasmuson Foundation for our Tier 1 grant for a tech upgrade

sssc — Fri, 27 May 2016 18:33:26 +0000

Thanks to the Rasmuson Foundation for our Tier 1 grant. We now has a new server, a network upgrade, and new staff computers. We're also excited to have AlasConnect as our tech support company.

SSSC's Research Biologist and SIRF Director Lauren Bell (@lobell_ak) published in Marine Ecology Progress Series

sssc — Fri, 27 May 2016 19:05:05 +0000

SSSC's Research Biologist and SIRF Director Lauren Bell (@lobell_ak), is lead author on a paper published in Marine Ecology Progress Series: "

Influence of terrestrial organic matter in marine food webs of the Beaufort Sea shelf and slope

The role and impact of land-derived organic material as an energy source in marine food webs has historically been poorly understood. Bell and colleagues investigated variation in community trophic structure on the shelf and slope of the Arctic Beaufort Sea concurrent with gradients of terrestrial versus marine organic matter influence. Results suggest that terrestrial matter can function as a basal energy source to the marine food web, though the energetic transfer from terrestrial material to marine consumers may require processing through a coupled microbial loop. These findings indicate the need for further study of this specific energetic pathway within marine systems, especially in the light of forecasted increases of river runoff and coastal erosion in the Arctic Ocean.

http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v550/feature/

12,000 lbs of marine debris collected on St George Island last week

sssc — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 18:15:19 +0000

Our Marine Debris project this year involves working with locals in Bering Sea communities to restore critical habitats by the removal of marine debris. The Bering Sea crews are working in the following areas: Native Village of Nikolski, Native Village of Port Heiden, St Lawrence Island, and St. George Island. Last week, 12,000 pounds of marine debris was collected on St George Island; this project is funded by NOAA Award NA15NMF4630067. Photos provided by Melanie Prokopiof.

Sitka Sound Science Center awarded $40,000 to design heat pump (KCAW)

sssc — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 00:20:25 +0000

Sitka Sound Science Center awarded $40,000 to design heat pump

by Katherine Rose, KCAW June 9, 2016 4:57 pm

Lisa Busch, executive director of the Sitka Sound Science Center, smiles as she accepts a check for $40,000 from Wells Fargo. The money will be used to design a seawater heat pump for the center. The ocean supports a variety of marine life at the Sitka Sound Science Center, and soon it will support human life. This week, the center received funding to design a saltwater heat-pump. The $40,000 grant came from Wells Fargo, through a program called “Environmental Solutions for Communities.” Lisa Busch, executive director of the science center, says the pump will be used to educate the public on the benefits of harnessing seawater energy. Busch – In terms of sustainable energy sources, saltwater seems to be a good one, that we have a lot of it here in coastal Alaska. If we can have a demonstration project that shows you can use energy based on ocean water, it’s going to be a powerful. Wells Fargo gives $100,000 per year in environmental grants in Alaska. The company originally proposed giving $15,000 to the Science Center, which would fund about one-quarter of the project’s design. o Judith Crotty, a community development manager at Wells Fargo, revisited the proposal and bumped the grant to $40,000. Judith Crotty of Wells Fargo presents staff of the Sitka Sound Science Center with a check that will fund the design of the center’s new seawater heat pump. Crotty – Our culture of care is not only for our customer, but it’s also for our communities. Lisa has proven her worth in raising funds. We felt a $15,000 gap with a 40,000 match will definitely help the science center fulfill their dreams. The new pump isn’t just for demonstration. The energy it harnesses from seawater will be used to heat the building that houses the science center. Busch says they’ve been planning the project for a few years, and were inspired by Alaska Sea Life Center’s heat pump. Busch – Their energy engineer, Andy Baker, basically came to us and said “Hey, you already have saltwater coming into your building,” because we have an aquarium, a saltwater aquarium. So we can harness that energy into heating your building. And that was very appealing. Busch says the new pump along with the center’s salmon hatchery provide an excellent intersection of scientific education and research. The grant to the Science Center was one of four given by the Environmental Solutions for Communities program this year. http://www.kcaw.org/2016/06/09/sitka-sound-science-center-receives-40000-for-new-project/ http://www.kcaw.org/2016/06/09/sitka-sound-science-center-receives-40000-for-new-project/

SSSC welcomes summer research interns - CG Cadets Eva Sandri and Sydney Mills

sssc — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 23:50:46 +0000

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Cadets Eva Sandri and Sydney Mills are participating in a 6-week Marine & Environmental Science summer internship at the Sitka Sound Science Center to study kelp beds in Sitka Sound. Kelp beds are recognized as one of the most productive and dynamic ecosystems on Earth and over the last century have been the focus of extensive research, including efforts to better understand the spatial-temporal patterns of kelp patches. During their internship, Eva and Sydney will expand on work initiated by last year’s cadet interns, monitoring the changes in kelp bed extent alongside variation in hydrographic parameters in the kelp bed water column relevant to changing climate. This internship was developed by former Scientist-in-Residency Fellow Dr. Lucy Vlietstra, a professor in the Department of Science at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. The cadets are provided room and board at the USCG Air Station Sitka during their internship.

Eva Sandri is a summer intern from the US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. She is going into her senior year and majoring in Marine Environmental Sciences. She grew up in Silver Spring, MD and has two younger siblings, a turtle named Loompa and a puggle named Strudel. Her hobbies include ice skating, karate, arts and crafts and hiking. She spent the first 5 weeks of summer training sophomore cadets on the sailing vessel Eagle. Eva is very excited to be spending the summer at SSSC!

Sydney Mills is a summer intern from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Sydney is going into her senior year and her love for the ocean and animals inspired her to study Marine and Environmental Science. She grew up in Coral Springs, FL and went to the University of South Florida for her first year of college. In her downtime, Sydney enjoys dancing and crafting. Sydney is very pleased to be given the opportunity to work with the SSSC this summer.

PhD candidate Taylor White studying abalone in Sitka Sound this summer

sssc — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 22:35:07 +0000

From The Morning Interview

Biologists investigate local abalone, otter populations

by KCAW News June 16, 2016 10:37 am

Former aquarium director Taylor White, a PhD student at University of California Santa Cruz, will be spending the summer underwater, continuing long-term monitoring on the Pinto abalone of Sitka Sound. Taylor talks about Sitka Sound Science Center’s ongoing abalone research and how it fits into her PhD. Though southeast Alaska is the only place in north America where you can legally harvest pinto abalone for personal use, there has been little research on local populations – how big they are, how much they move around, and how affected they might by the recent uptick in sea otters in southeast Alaskan waters. White and Bell are both interested in answering some of those questions. Hear Taylor's interview at: http://www.kcaw.org/2016/06/16/morning-interview-draft-2/

SSSC now accepting Americorps VISTA applications

sssc — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 20:32:08 +0000

Sitka Sound Science Center is dedicated to science research and science education in Alaska. Our young and growing non profit is staffed by energetic people passionate about science research and science education. SSSC VISTA will be an active part of our team. This position will help promote partnerships that enhance educational opportunities across disciplines including science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. The program will build on a fledgling group of community organizations, coming together to share resources and ideas. SSSC has a small aquarium and salmon hatchery that are used as educational tools. This position will help our organization capitalize on these facilities bringing in an inter-generational, diverse group of people. The VISTA will build and expand on partnerships with institutes of higher education that are interested in community engagement in science, and opportunities for undergraduate. SSSC is part of a neighborhood association that is revitalizing an old college campus. This position will strengthen the bonds within this group of non profits and look for opportunities to work together that contribute to the revitalization of the campus and the education of the community. Being a VISTA at the Sitka Sound Science Center means being part of a fun, active, engaged staff that values community and community activism. We are committed to creating a culture of science that includes making science an economic engine for our island town. The VISTA should have strong communication skills and willing to use a variety of tools - phone, email, meeting in person- to develop informal and formal science education programs. This is a job for someone who enjoys meeting new people and finding common ground. Sitka, Alaska is a good place for those who enjoy the outdoors. With some of the best kayaking and trails available in Alaska, VISTAs can spend free time enjoying the natural surroundings. Apply at: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=68590

Scholarships for young adults to attend forester’s competition in St. Petersburg, Russia

sssc — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 22:28:52 +0000

The U.S. Forest Service International Programs is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for young adults interested in Forestry, Natural Resources, and Environmental Science! Please share this announcement with high school science teachers, environmental and forestry professors at the college level, and anyone else in your network who works with youth between the ages of 14 and 22. The International Jr. Foresters’ Competition is an annual event hosted by Russian Federal Forestry Agency (RFFA) to promote and reward young scientists for their interest and efforts in the environmental field, as well as to encourage international dialogue about forestry issues. The 2016 competition will take place in in early September (September 4 – 9), and will include time for sightseeing in and around St. Petersburg, Russia. The competition, which runs a bit like a science fair, is open to young adults between the ages of 14-22. Projects will be presented to an international panel of judges to compete for public recognition and valuable prizes. Projects that students have already completed for local science fairs or college courses can easily be adapted to the required format. (See http://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency/international-programs/news-useful-links for complete application instructions.) The USA participated in this event for the first time in 2012, and our student representatives won 3rd place in the overall competition. Click here to learn more about their experience: http://blogs.usda.gov/2012/10/17/us-teens-win-third-prize-at-international-jr-foresters%E2%80%99-competition/. Regardless of where a student might place in the competition, the experience is a unique resume builder and provides a wonderful opportunity to build international connections and friendships! The U.S. Forest Service International Programs office will provide 1-2 scholarships to cover international travel for qualified applicants who have completed one project (projects can be submitted by one individual student or by teams of two students). To compete for these scholarships, the deadline for submission of projects to the US Forest Service International Programs office is July 8th, 2016. U.S. Forest Service will also provide travel support and coordinate all logistical details of the students’ journey. Please see the following link for detailed information about the competition, project requirements, and the application form: http://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency/international-programs/news-useful-links Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Jennifer Smith or Jacob Minor before applying to learn the latest information and confirm the application process. Feel free to contact Ms. Smith or Mr. Minor at any point with questions or concerns. Emails: jennifercsmith@fs.fed.us; jminor@fs.fed.us

Request for Mill Building photographs

sssc — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 23:14:58 +0000

As part of a future rehabilitation and renovation project, the Sitka Sound Science Center is in search of photographs of the historic Mill Building – the building adjacent to the Sage Building which houses SSSC retail and Ludwig’s chowder cart along with hatchery and science equipment. Please share your photographs that show the building’s exterior or interior, students using the building or any photographs that show the building in use. The building was built in 1939, burned down in 1940 and rebuilt in 1941. It was used to saw lumber for boat building, a skill studied by Sheldon Jackson students and others. Later when Sheldon Jackson became a four year college, it was used for other science research and education purposes. Please bring or email scanned photographs to the Science Center. Contact Lisa Busch: 907 747 8878 ext 5 or lbusch@sitkascience.org

Science Communication Workshops - Scholarship Applications now available

sssc — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 01:12:34 +0000

SCIENCE COMMUNICATION TRAINING FOR RESEARCHERS WORKING IN ALASKA Sitka Sound Science Center, with funding from the National Science Foundation, is sponsoring a three-day Science Communication workshop in Sitka, Alaska for scientists working in Alaska. October 31, 2016 November 1, 2016 November 2, 2016 Sitka WhaleFest will immediately follow the workshop from November 4 – 6, 2016. This annual science symposium and community event is a wonderful example of science outreach in Alaska. The goal of the workshop is to provide science communication training on how to present and communicate with a variety of audiences, and also to provide specific communication training on how to effectively connect your research to the interests and needs of small communities in Alaska. The Science Communication workshop is led by a team with extensive communication and research experience working in Alaska including: Dr. Richard Nelson, a world renowned cultural anthropologist, writer, and producer; Elizabeth Arnold, a University of Alaska professor and former NPR radio journalist; Laureli Ivanoff, a journalist covering rural Alaska, from rural Alaska, and living in rural Alaska. The owner of Silver Tip Media, she is a freelance writer and provides communications and public relations services to Alaska non-profit organizations. Dr. Jacqueline Grebmeir and Dr. Lee Cooper, internationally recognized Arctic scientists and leaders who have worked in Alaskan communities for more than 30 years. Lisa Busch, Executive Director of the Sitka Sound Science Center, an organization well-known for its science community engagement activities and science communication opportunities. Full travel scholarships are available. Download the application here: Science Communication Application. Deadline for application is August 26, 2016. For more information, call Lisa Busch at 907.747.8878, Ext 5 or email lbusch@sitkascience.org

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: Facilities Maintenance Manager

sssc — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 22:36:12 +0000

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER Title: Facility Maintenance Manager (full-time position) Location: Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka, Alaska Application Date: Open until filled Salary: $40,000 to $45,000 DOE The Sitka Sound Science Center in Sitka, Alaska is a nonprofit dedicated to science education and scientific research. The Science Center operates the Molly Ahlgren Aquarium and the Sheldon Jackson Hatchery which is one of the oldest hatcheries in the State of Alaska serving as an educational training facility since 1974. The Sitka Sound Science Center primary operations are located in two 1920s era historic buildings that are contributing structures to the Sheldon Jackson National Historic Landmark. The buildings house office, laboratory and classroom space as well as scientific, hatchery and aquarium operations. The facilities are open to the public including tourists, students, residents and scientists from around the nation. Duties: The Facility Maintenance Manager will work under the direction of the Aquaculture and Facilities Director. This unlicensed maintenance position is responsible for the operation, upkeep, repair and improvement of the historic Sage and Mill Buildings, including the Sheldon Jackson salmon hatchery and its associated facilities, all water intake structures, pipelines, anchorages, net pens, stand-by generators, pumps, etc. The Maintenance Manager may supervise on occasion an assistant, intern or additional technicians or laborers. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Operation, maintenance and repair of diesel & gasoline engines, power generators, electrical systems, heating systems/boilers, backhoe, excavator, forklift, boats, outboard motors, small engines, pumps, hatchery water systems including UV water purification equipment, piping and plumbing, phones, and household appliances
Maintenance, repair or construction of hatchery buildings and equipment
Work with outside contractors on more extensive or technical plumbing, electrical, and power generation repairs and upgrades, and new building construction
Cost estimation, material and supply orders, and completion of various types of construction, fabrication and repair projects, including metal work and welding (especially aluminum), piping and plumbing, carpentry and concrete
Plan and maintain records of daily work, purchasing, inventory, construction, and maintenance
Perform additional duties required for successful operation and maintenance of an Alaska salmon hatchery and science support facility including a saltwater aquarium and touch-tank exhibit.
Maintain a clean, well-organized work, storage and public environment at the Science Center and hatchery that reflects a high degree of professionalism and pride in the operations.

Qualifications: A successful candidate for this position will have demonstrated previous successful employment in a similar position. This person must have a valid driver’s license, be in good physical health, be able to lift at least 50 lbs., be able to withstand cold temperatures and wet environments, and frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, stand and walk for long periods of time. In addition, a successful candidate will demonstrate:

Significant experience in power plant, building, and heavy and light equipment maintenance, repair and operation Ability to work independently in a safe, responsible and professional manner.
Extensive knowledge of plumbing, piping, and pumping is necessary. Freshwater and seawater recirculation system familiarity is highly desirable.
Fabrication skills, particularly with aluminum, pvc, HDPE, and fiberglass are needed
Excellent trouble-shooting and organizational skills, plus leadership qualities
Favorable employer evaluations regarding experience, skills, aptitude and attitude (references required)

To Apply: Interested individuals should send the following information to the point of contact provided below: 1) A cover letter detailing their interest and career goals, 2) A detailed resume describing pertinent work experience and education; 3) The names and contact information (including phone numbers and e-mail) for three references familiar with the applicant’s work experience and performance. Download this announcement: SSSC Maintenance Manager. All inquiries and materials should be directed to: Angie Bowers, Aquaculture and Facility Director Sitka Sound Science Center 834 Lincoln Street Sitka, AK 99835 Telephone: (907) 747-8878 ext. 6 Email: abowers@sitkascience.org

sssc — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 17:40:24 +0000

On July 13 and 14, 2016 the SEASWAP team placed satellite tags on 4 individual sperm whales offshore of Cape Edgecumbe and Shelikof Bay out of Sitka, AK. In addition, 7 skin samples were collected, which will be used to analyze genetics and stable isotopes as a proxy of diet. The information gathered will allow fishermen to avoid fishing near tagged whales to minimize depredation, and help our team better understand sperm whale movements and population dynamics in the Gulf of Alaska. To follow whale movements, go to our website at www.seaswap.info/whaletracker. For more information, please contact SEASWAP personnel at seaswap03@gmail.com or call 907-738-4494.

Guided Tidepool Adventure - Sat, 7/23 @ 10am (meet at Sage Beach)

sssc — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 17:27:59 +0000

Join our Aquarium Staff for a guided beach walk and tidepooling adventure this Saturday, July 23rd, from 10am - noon! All ages are welcome. Please bring rain gear! Gather at the picnic tables next to Sage Beach. We hope to see you there! Feel free to contact Kristina Tirman, AmeriCorps Volunteer at 907.747.8878 ext.1

Marine Debris Coastal Code cleanup on Kruzof sponsored by Alaskan Brewing Co

sssc — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 06:54:23 +0000

A huge shout out to Alaskan Brewing Co. for sponsoring Coastal Code and a marine debris cleanup trip to Kruzof Island on July 17, 2016. Thanks to the amazing volunteers including local surfers who came out to help, we collected 14,040 lbs of debris! Learn more about our Marine Debris projects here.

Crystal Cruises VolunTours help staff on cleaning projects

sssc — Mon, 25 Jul 2016 06:59:27 +0000

Many thanks to our awesome and hard-working volunteers who recently joined us for several cleaning projects! As passengers aboard the Crystal Serenity, they signed up for the Voluntour excursion - where guests volunteer at an organization for part of their time ashore. ‪#‎SitkaScience‬ thanks to David Anderson, Erick Orellana, Lindsay MacGarva, Virginia Connor, Anna Natasha, Akiko Agishi, Harry McQueen, Linda Cherniavsky, Judy Bogart, and Don Bogart. If you are interested in volunteering at the Sitka Sound Science Center whether it's on Voluntour days or for other projects, please contact Science Outreach Coordinator Mia Kuartei at (907) 747-8878, ext 2 or email information@sitkascience.org.

From Penguins to Plankton - by visiting polar scientist Dr. James McClintock

sssc — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 17:20:59 +0000

From penguins to plankton: the dramatic impacts of climate change on the Antarctic Peninsula - a public talk by visiting polar scientist Dr. James McClintock James B. McClintock is one of the world’s foremost experts on Antarctic marine biology, and currently the Endowed University Professor of Polar and Marine Biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has led fourteen research expeditions to Antarctica over the past thirty years. In addition to his research, Dr. McClintock has written several books, which he will present during an author event at Old Harbor Books next week. Schedule of Events: Author Event - Monday, August 1st at 6pm at Old Harbor Books Public Talk - Tuesday, August 2nd at 6pm at the Sitka Public Library For more information about Dr. McClintock’s events while in Sitka, please contact Lauren Bell at 747-8878 ext. 9.

Alaska is well represented at this week's IMCC 2016 in Newfoundland

sssc — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 17:43:06 +0000

Great talk by Anne Beaudreau, UAF at the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) 2016 in Newfoundland this week, while Russ Jones spoke on Haida Gwaii herring. Alaska is well represented and SSSC's Research Director Tory O'Connell (@TorySSSC) and the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association (ALFA) presenting later in the week. ‪#‎SitkaScience‬ https://imcc2016.wordpress.com/

SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER: RESTORING AN IMPORTANT PART OF SITKA’S HERITAGE

sssc — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 19:27:36 +0000

Catch up on your ‪#‎SitkaScience‬ history with an article from the International Concrete Repair Institute's (ICRI.org) Concrete Repair Bulletin, "SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER: RESTORING AN IMPORTANT PART OF SITKA’S HERITAGE" http://c.ymcdn.com/…/CRB/2016Jul…/CRB_WJE-Sitka_Vol29No4.pdf

Register today for Sitka WhaleFest's 20th Anniversary!

sssc — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 20:47:40 +0000

We are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of Sitka WhaleFest, our annual science symposium and festival, this coming fall. This year’s theme is “Whales Through Time: The Story Continues”. As part of its special twentieth anniversary, Sitka WhaleFest will focus on whales as a time telling device – what we’ve learned in the last twenty years, what cetacean science is revealing about our changing planet today, and how the study of whales connects the world into the future. Event Dates: November 4 - 6, 2016 Online registration is now available at: http://www.cvent.com/d/6fqhr7 Paper Tickets will be available at the Sitka Sound Science Center beginning on October 1st and at Old Harbor Books on October 20th. Visit www.sitkawhalefest.org, Like the “Sitka Sound Science Center” Facebook page and follow our Facebook event page for updates: www.facebook.com/events/1109939839079351/1130858296987505

SSSC is accepting applications for an AmeriCorps VISTA

sssc — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 23:50:06 +0000

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT SITKA SOUND SCIENCE CENTER

Title: AmeriCorps VISTA Location: Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka, Alaska Application Date: Deadline is August 26th We are accepting applications for an AmeriCorps VISTA to join our energetic team for a year. This position will help promote partnerships that enhance educational opportunities across disciplines including science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. The VISTA should have strong communication skills and be willing to use a variety of tools - phone, email, meeting in person- to develop informal and formal science education programs. Learn more and apply at the VISTA program website: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=68590 Program Benefits : Health Coverage*, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living Allowance, Training, Stipend, Childcare assistance if eligible, Relocation Allowance. *For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visithttp://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare Terms : Permits working at another job during off hours, permits attendance at school during off hours .

All inquiries should be directed to:

Lisa Busch, Executive Director Sitka Sound Science Center 834 Lincoln Street Sitka, AK 99835 Telephone: (907) 747-8878 ext. 5 Email: lbusch@sitkascience.org

Profiles from both sides of the Bering Strait

sssc — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 17:55:41 +0000

The SSSC is a partner in this project, funded by the National Park Service Shared Beringia Heritage Program; the Ice Bridge is a series of intimate portraits of people making a difference within Beringia. Each profile is focused on an individual whose life, work, or research tells a larger story that is insightful and instructive to the overall community. The aim is to connect and inform those in and outside of the region at a time when the whole world is looking toward the North. This is a critical time in Beringia. A shifting climate has increased attention North in an unprecedented way. New opportunities in natural resource development, science and technology are generating interest and investment, but also present immediate threats to cultural, social and environmental norms. Individuals, communities, government organizations, and businesses are all looking for ideas and solutions, but media is largely focused on one dimensional stories to local audiences. We are talking to ourselves instead of to each other. Ice Bridge aims to change that in a simple way. Over three years, award-winning journalist Elizabeth Arnold will research, write and produce audio stories and multimedia portraits posted on this website. By year two, these profiles will be translated into Russian on the same site. The goal after three years is the additional participation of other professional and civic journalists on both sides of the Bering Strait, and a continuing stream of content. The project is a pilot beginning with the people who live and work in the region of Beringia. The long term goal is to expand the project to the entire circumpolar North. Find out more at http://arcticprofiles.com/

Calling for Interest in Vessel Based Marine Debris Cleanups in Southeast Alaska

sssc — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 18:33:29 +0000

The SSSC will be applying for NOAA Marine Debris Community Based Marine Debris cleanup funds and is soliciting interest by local vessels for remote beach cleanups throughout Southeast Alaska. Interested contractors should respond to this request for proposals – costs and experience will be used to rank applicants for use in final proposal. The SSSC is committed to hiring local contractors for cleanups. Applicants should have extensive experience in navigating the area of interest. Previous experience in marine debris cleanups is also a consideration in ranking. Application does not guarantee a contract or funding. If SSSC is awarded a grant, funds will be available for work beginning no earlier than July 2017. Bids are due by Friday, September 2, 2016. Contracts are self-contained (i.e. SSSC will not be providing crew or vessel support). Work requires removal and categorization of marine debris with data keeping and photo documentation. Contact our Research Director, Victoria O'Connell at voconnell@sitkascience.org if you would like the specifications for submitting a bid. Interest in Vessel Based Marine Debris Cleanups in Southeast Alaska

Herring Talk - "How Can Haida Traditional Knowledge and Social Science of Pacific Herring Improve Management Decisions?"

sssc — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 19:00:16 +0000

"How Can Haida Traditional Knowledge and Social Science of Pacific Herring Improve Management Decisions?"

7 pm, Thursday, August 25th at the Sitka National Historical Park Auditorium

Talk given by Russ Jones, Marine Planning Manager, Council of the Haida Nation

and Dr. Melissa Poe, Environmental Anthropologist, UW Washington Sea Grant and NOAA

Jones and Poe are members of the Ocean Modeling Forum Pacific Herring Working Group, meeting in Sitka August 23-25. They will discuss their herring project in Haida Gwaii.

Co-Sponsored by the Sitka Sound Science Center and the National Park Service

For information contact Tory O’Connell (SSSC) 738-4000 or Ryan Carpenter (NPS) 747-0110

Herring talk v2

Dem Bones Summer Camp Video

sssc — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 01:52:10 +0000

Watch our Dem Bones Summer Camp video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bybdkvq0MYNFcFJ2M2JHLVE5RWc/view?invite=CPfdytoO&ts=57bb32f2 You’ve seen “Kruzof” the killer whale skeleton in the Sitka Sound Science Center’s aquarium. Can you imagine being part of a team that puts together a sea lion skeleton? Dem Bones campers conducted a necropsy to learn about the unique structural adaptions of marine mammals and reconstructed a California Sea Lion, which they named Lazaria. The camp was facilitated by our Aquarium Manager, Ashley Bolwerk in partnership with Dr. Shannon Atkinson from the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Funding for this camp was provided by the Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust.

Mountain Goat Research on Baranof Island

sssc — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 21:51:30 +0000

[caption id="attachment_10854" align="alignnone" width="450"] Mountain Goat, Photo Credit: Alaska Dept of Fish & Game[/caption] The first Natural History seminar of the season features Kevin White of the Alaska Fish and Game giving a talk “Mountain Goat Research on Baranof Island” on Thursday October 13th at 7:30pm room 229 UAS. The talk will discuss the Mountain goat research project on Baranof Island which was initiated in 2010 and has focused on monitoring GPS radio-collared mountain goats ( 55, to date) to gain valuable field data and knowledge about population dynamics, movement patterns and habitat ecology. Preliminary findings from Mountain goat research on Baranof Island will be compared with data collected from other studies in southeast Alaska, to provide ecological context. This information is used to inform Mountain goat conservation and management decisions on Baranof Island.

Bonus Episode: Bear Behavior and the Recent Montana Grizzly Mauling

sssc — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 17:33:45 +0000

With the increased bear activity in town, it seems fitting to share this BioScience Talk; a bonus episode of a monthly podcast that features interviews with BioScience authors. This program features an interview with Dr. Tom Smith, a bear biologist at BYU who has also published papers on bear behavior in BioScience. The link to this episode of BioScience Talks is: http://bioscienceaibs.libsyn.com/bonus-episode-bear-behavior-and-the-recent-montana-grizzly-mauling Be #BearAware

SSSC Welcomes Dr. Heather Ward, Fall Scientist in Residency Fellow

Lauren — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 22:31:14 +0000

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Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Dr. Heather Ward to Sitka as our fall Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from October 10 to November 7. Dr. Ward is a Geographer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Research and Development Center at the Geospatial Research Laboratory in Virginia. Heather received her Ph.D in Coastal Resources Management at East Carolina University in North Carolina. Prior to her work with the Department of the Army, she was the Executive Director of Waterkeepers® Carolina and a Geographer Professor at Barton College. Dr. Ward also worked for a number of years for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as an Intelligence Analyst, where she was responsible for briefing senior Intelligence officials and acting as an intermediary between scientists, decision-makers and policy-makers. During her Fellowship, Dr. Ward will be applying her expertise to research and expand upon an integrated (terrestrial-marine-human) coastal zone management understanding of the Alexander Archipelago area. To do so, she is hoping to engage with Sitkans to gain a diverse understanding of people’s sense of place in this region and their utilization and interaction with the local ecosystem. Heather can be heard on the KCAW radio morning interview here. She will share her work and interests during a Natural History Seminar talk entitled “Magic and Models – Sense of Place @ the Speed of Need” on Thursday, Oct. 27^th at 7:30pm in UAS room 229. Heather also plans to engage with students in Sitka High School’s AP Human Geography and Global Studies class to discuss geospatial careers and the military’s use of geography. Her Fellowship will extend through Sitka WhaleFest, where she will connect with a broad community of students, scientists, and local citizens. SSSC is excited to host Dr. Ward over the next month, as she will bring a unique background and perspective to our community! SSSC’s Scientist in Residency Fellowship (SIRF) program, funded by the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs and the Sam Skaggs Foundation, brings preeminent mid-career scientists to Sitka for one-month mini-sabbaticals, science communication training, and community engagement. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. Each year the program becomes more competitive due to increasing interest, and choosing Fellows is challenging as all applicants have great science and experience to offer our community. This summer, we selected 7 exceptional scientists for Fellowships over the next two years (2017-2018). For more information about the activities of our past SIRFs and to meet future Fellows, visit sitkascience.org/SIRF or contact SIRF Director Lauren Bell at 907.747.8878 ext. 9.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Click here for more information about UAS Bio 175

KristinaT — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 17:58:02 +0000

Interested in earning college credit during WhaleFest? Click here to find out how to sign up for Bio 175. For a more detailed description of the Bio 175 course, click here for the full syllabus.

From Ketchikan to the Colville: the latest on dinosaurs, marine reptiles and ancient forests of Alaska

sssc — Wed, 09 Nov 2016 22:45:36 +0000

The next Natural History seminar features Pat Druckenmiller and Jim Baichtal presenting " From Ketchikan to the Colville: the latest on dinosaurs, marine reptiles and ancient forests of Alaska" Thursday, November 17th at UAS room 229 at 7:30pm. . Dr. Patrick Druckenmiller, curator of Earth Sciences, Alaska Museum of the North and Jim Baichtal, Sc.D. US. Forest Service Geologist will discuss recent paleontological finds in Alaska including dinosaurs in Denali and plants and animals of very long ago southeast Alaska. The Natural History seminar series is supported by a grant from the Sitka Permanent Charitable Trust to the Sitka Sound Science Center and by University of Alaska Southeast, the National Park Service and US Forest Service. If you have any questions please contact Kitty LaBounty at 747-9432.

Thank You to our Sitka WhaleFest Sponsors and Community Partners

sssc — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 01:14:23 +0000

THANK YOU To our Sponsors* and Partners from the Board and Staff of the Sitka Sound Science Center, for making our 20th Anniversary of Sitka WhaleFest a spectacular success! Alaska Airlines* Alaskan Brewing Company* Alaska Longline Fisherman’s Association Alaska Marine Conservation Council Allen Marine* Allison’s Wonderland Baranof Elementary School Blatchley Middle School Brian & Julie Beall Chef Edith Johnson City and Borough of Sitka Alaska* Daily Sitka Sentinel David Moore* Delta Western, Inc.* Eyak Preservation Council* First National Bank of Alaska* Fish Print Man Foreign Automotive* Golden Alaskan Lodge Grandma Tillies Bakery Greater Sitka Arts Council Hames Corporation* Harry’s Custom Services Homer Whales Jeff Budd* John Stein* JPBC Biological* K&L Distributors Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School KTNL Laura Kaltenstein Linda Wilson* Lois Munch* Margret Lohfield* Mt Edgecumbe High School Murray Pacific Nancy Leclerc-Davidson* National Science Foundation* NOAA Office of Law Enforcement North Pacific Research Board* The Odom Corporation* Old Harbor Books Pacific High School Princeton Hall* Raven Radio - KCAW Sandra Kincheloe* SeaDreams Season’s – White’s Inc. ShirtsUp Serigraphics & Solutions Silver Basin Silver Bay Seafoods Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust* Sitka Alaska Coach Tours Sitka Children’s Museum Sitka Conservation Society Sitka Fine Arts Camp Sitka High School Sitka High School Music Program Students & Parents Sitka Tribe of Alaska St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church Three to Five Preschool Trish White* University of Alaska Fairbanks University of Alaska Southeast* Visit Sitka Westmark Hotel Sitka* White’s Inc.* William Foster* Wintersong Soap Company

Save the date: #GivingTuesday 2016 is November 29th

sssc — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 19:25:41 +0000

Save the date: #GivingTuesday 2016 is November 29th. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving to your favorite causes. Each year, it is celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season in the final weeks of the year! To donate, return to our Facebook Page or Website (www.sitkascience.org) next Tuesday, November 29th to make a difference!

It's #GivingTuesday! Invest in hope and expanding our horizons

sssc — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 17:14:15 +0000

"In the end, science is about hope; it’s about expanding our horizons, and endeavoring to understand more. It is an instinct so deeply human, and an instinct we need now more than ever." -Dan Rather At the Sitka Sound Science Center, we believe science education and research here in Alaska is about hope. Today is #GivingTuesday and we ask you to consider a contribution that will make a difference in your lifetime and for generations to come. The large issues of our time such as climate change, food security and poverty need people with a science education to think critically, solve problems, innovate new technologies and know how our earth and ocean systems work. Solving big issues means investing in research that can lead to new understandings that will unveil mysteries that have long puzzled humanity. Make your donation today to the Sitka Sound Science Center and invest in expanding our horizons. DONATE HERE

2017 Summer Camps... Coming Soon!

KristinaT — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 02:31:11 +0000

Our 2017 Summer Camp descriptions will be available in January. Camp schedules and sign-up to follow in February!

Happy New Year! Remember to Pick.Click.Give. when you apply for your PFD

sssc — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 19:21:45 +0000

Remember to Pick.Click.Give. when you apply for your PFD. The Sitka Sound Science Center is a participating organization, see our listing here: http://www.pickclickgive.org/index.cfm/pfdorgs.info/Sitka-Sound-Science-Center- Help us continue our mission of increasing understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Alaska through education and research. File for your PFD here: http://pfd.alaska.gov/

A look back at 2016 with our Annual Newsletter

sssc — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 21:22:32 +0000

Read about the year we had in 2016 or download a copy of our Annual Newsletter. If you would like to join the mailing list for this annual publication, please send your mailing address to information@sitkascience.org.

New Year, Same Sprouts, More Fun!

KristinaT — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 01:50:51 +0000

The Sitka Sound Science Center's Sprouts program was on hold for a couple of weeks during the holiday season but will start up again next Tuesday, January 10th! Sprouts is our free science education program for children ages 3-5 and their parents that takes place every Tuesday at 10:30 am, September through April. Each week we read a story followed by a craft and activity that relates to the topic of the story. Join us for some hands-on adventuring that is sure to get your tot thinking like a scientist. No registration is necessary, just stop on by. For more information contact Kristina Tirman at ktirman@sitkascience.org.

Behind The Scenes: Echinoderms & Their Cousins!

sssc — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 01:20:28 +0000

Behind the Scenes: Echinoderms and Their Cousins Date: Wednesday, January 18 Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm ** A free and fun learning event for adults Are you interested in joining Science Center staff as a volunteer in the aquarium, the hatchery, or as part of educational and community events? Would you like to know more about the marine life and the natural cycles of our island? Have you always wondered what those alien looking structures were behind the Science Center? The Sitka Sound Science Center is excited to introduce a new program called “Behind the Scenes” – a series of engaging learning events for adults. This series will feature sessions that explore features of the marine environment that we celebrate at the Science Center. Join us for one, any, or all of the Behind the Scenes sessions and enjoy learning with others through a fun and engaging hands-on experience! The Winter Series begins with a session on Echinoderms – sea stars and their cousins! You don’t know what you have missed if you haven’t examined a live sea urchin under a microscope! Before you leave the Science Center for this session, you will also learn how we siphon our touch tanks, something our critters need to thrive in our aquarium. This event is free, you can join on our Facebook event page or just show up on Wednesday, January 18^th from 5:30 – 7:00 pm For more information, contact Janet Clarke at (907) 747-8878, ext 3.

Junior Volunteer Jason gives an introduction to his video series on the critters in our Aquarium

sssc — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 01:43:34 +0000

Jason has been a Junior Volunteer at the aquarium for some time now. He is now our Videographer and will be giving you a glimpse of some of the cool animals and events we have here at the Science Center! Check him out!!

Natural History Seminar: Sitka Nature - Curiosity and Community

sssc — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:47:23 +0000

Sitka Nature: Curiosity and Community January 19th, 7:30 pm UAS room 229 Local naturalist Matt Goff will share some of the many photos he’s taken along with observations, questions, projects, and discoveries that have inspired his ongoing efforts to document the natural history of the Sitka area. He will also introduce the Sitka Community Big Year Project, an effort he hopes many Sitkans will join to learn more about the rich environment that surrounds us.

Eco-Discovery... This weekend at the Science Center!

KristinaT — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 01:36:41 +0000

Attention! Calling all Sitka Youth Sleuths! Bella the Baby Sea Urchin has been swept away by a strong ocean current and she can't be found. We need your help! Come to the Sitka Sound Science Center between 9 am -12 pm on Saturday, January 28. There will be multiple stations with hands-on activities appropriate for children between kindergarten and sixth grade. The expected time it takes to solve the mystery is 30-45 minutes. Kids should be accompanied by an adult. Come solve the mystery and reunite Bella with her family! For more information about the event contact Kristina at ktirman@sitkascience.org.

Our next Behind The Scenes series is on Molluscs! Feb 1st from 5:30 - 7:00 pm

sssc — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 03:09:45 +0000

Join us for a fun night of exploring all about Molluscs! Our special guests include Esther Kennedy from the Sitka Tribe of Alaska and our own Research Biologist Lauren Bell and Aquarium Technician Roger Vallion. You can expect to meet the interesting and weird variety of molluscs in our Aquarium, get up close and personal with plankton and shellfish, and discover the diving adventures of abalone research! Date: Wednesday, February 1st Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm This event is free, you can join by accepting the invite on our Facebook Event page or just show up at the Science Center! Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. ------------------------ Would you like to know more about the marine life and the natural cycles of our island? Have you always wondered what those alien looking structures were behind the Science Center? Are you interested in joining Science Center staff as a volunteer in the aquarium, the hatchery, or as part of educational and community events? The Sitka Sound Science Center is excited to introduce a new program called “Behind the Scenes” – a series of fun learning events for adults. This series will feature stand-alone sessions that explore features of the marine environment that we celebrate at the Science Center. Join us for one, any, or all of the Behind the Scenes sessions and enjoy learning with others through a fun and engaging hands-on experience! This event is free, you can join by accepting the invite on our Facebook Event page or just show up on Wednesday, February 1st from 5:30 – 7:00 pm; Light refreshments and beverages will be provided. For more information, contact Janet Clarke at (907) 747-8878, ext 3.

Art dedication with Nancy Ricketts, Feb 1st @ 3pm

sssc — Sat, 28 Jan 2017 21:20:05 +0000

Join us for an art dedication with Nancy Ricketts, daughter of Ed and Nan Ricketts. Nancy has needlepointed a jellyfish, with Norm Cambell's help, that she collected with her dad when she was a kid and we will be displaying it our Ricketts Lab here at the Sitka Sound Science Center. You can read about Nancy here: https://www.sitkasentinel.com/7/2012-05-10-22-08-10/7047-4-women-to-be-honored-for-work-as-volunteers http://sitkasentinel.com/7/2012-05-10-22-08-10/local-news/9387-book-recalls-glory-days-of-ricketts-calvin

Welcome Dr. Nick Pyenson, Feb. Scientist in Residence!

Lauren — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 20:45:15 +0000

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming marine mammal paleobiologist Dr. Nicholas Pyenson to Sitka as our first Scientist in Residency Fellow of 2017, here from January 27^th to February 24^th. Dr. Pyenson is the curator of fossil marine mammals at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. In this last month he was awarded a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Dr. Pyenson’s research focuses around the evolution and ecology of marine tetrapods such as whales, sea cows, and sea otters. In particular, he is interested in understanding the causes and mechanics of the major ecological events throughout geologic history where animal groups have transitioned from life on land to life in the ocean. Many of the mammals that Nick studies are important links in the food web of Southeast Alaska’s waters (or have been in the past). During his Fellowship in Sitka, Nick will be sharing his research as well as his enthusiasm for integrating digital tools and art with paleoscience. Nick will join art classes at Blatchley Middle School and Mount Edgecumbe High School to discuss the importance of using multimedia interpretation and artistic representation of fossils to advance our understanding of now-extinct animals and ecosystems. He will also be visiting with a technology class at BMS and an after-school future problem solvers club at Sitka High to discuss the use of 3-D printing in his line of work. As a recent Paleontological Society Distinguished Lecturer, Nick has extensive experience communicating his research to a variety of groups. Nick can be heard on the KCAW radio morning interview on February 6^th at 8:10 am. He will be giving a public talk as part of the UAS Natural History Seminar series entitled “What does the deep history of whales tell us about the evolution of the oceans?” on Feb 9^th, 7:30 pm UAS room 229. Dates and times for these events will be posted on the Sitka Sound Science Center website and the online KCAW community calendar. The Sitka Sound Science Center, through funding from the National Science Foundation is once again hosting Scientist in Residency Fellowships (SIRF) here at our Center. The SIRF program brings preeminent scientists from across the country to Sitka for month long sabbaticals, allowing for undisturbed research free from the interruptions of their daily routine. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. For more information or to schedule a SIRF event please contact Lauren Bell, SIRF Director, 907.747.8878 ext. 9

2017 Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

KristinaT — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:40:06 +0000

Registration for 2017 SSSC Summer Camps are now open!

To read the descriptions of our 2017 summer camps, click here. To register for summer camps, click here.

Nancy Ricketts dedicated a needlepoint jellyfish display for our Ricketts Lab

sssc — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 06:42:16 +0000

We were so honored to host the art dedication for Nancy Ricketts, daughter of Ed and Nan Ricketts. John Straley interviewed Nancy, who shared her childhood memories and inspirational journey with the project. Nancy has needlepointed a jellyfish, with Norm Cambell's help, that she collected with her dad when she was a kid and we will be displaying it our Ricketts Lab here at the Sitka Sound Science Center. Nancy also expressed her gratitude for Norm Cambell's help in preparing her art for display.

You can read about Nancy here: https://www.sitkasentinel.com/7/2012-05-10-22-08-10/7047-4-women-to-be-honored-for-work-as-volunteers http://sitkasentinel.com/7/2012-05-10-22-08-10/local-news/9387-book-recalls-glory-days-of-ricketts-calvin

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Field Station Tour of Sitka for Interested Faculty and Universities: May 5 - 7th

sssc — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 19:09:09 +0000

We are very excited to hold a FREE weekend tour of Sitka as a Field Station from May 5 - 7th, 2017 for faculty members across the nation that are interested in Field Course development in conjunction to Sitka's and Southeast Alaska's resources. During this event, we will have local experts guest speak where they will explain the wonderful opportunities for field coursework in Sitka. Additionally, we will take you to the hotspots of Sitka! There are limited spots available, so act fast! We will provide housing and support flight expenses* Contact our Field Course Developer, Matt Barr at vista@sitkascience.org or (907) 747-8878 ext 11 for more information or to inquire if you and your university qualifies to participate. The Sitka Sound Science Center offers support services for colleges and universities who wish to conduct field courses in Sitka, one of the greatest natural classrooms in the world. Colleges and universities bring their professors, their students, and their classes to Sitka, where the Science Center can provide local knowledge, field trip coordination, and expertise on hiking kayaking, and logistical support. The Sheldon Jackson Campus (owned and operated by the Sitka Fine Arts Camp) can provide housing, dining services and recreational facilities. Science Center staff members are available for assistance with curriculum development and can provide a “menu” of local experts that are willing to share and create unique hands-on, outdoor and local experiences. Few locations offer the tangibility, diversity, accessibility and support of Sitka. You may also visit our Field Station page for more information. An event by Sitka Sound Science Center, in partnership with Sitka Fine Arts Camp *Limitations on flight itinerary coverage based off of distance to and from Sitka

Dr. Nicholas Pyenson: "What does the deep history of whales tell us about the evolution of the oceans?"

sssc — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 19:17:46 +0000

Marine mammal paleobiologist Dr. Nicholas Pyenson arrived in Sitka as our first Scientist in Residency Fellow of 2017, here from January 27^th to February 24^th. Dr. Pyenson is the curator of fossil marine mammals at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. In this last month he was awarded a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Dr. Pyenson’s research focuses around the evolution and ecology of marine tetrapods such as whales, sea cows, and sea otters. In particular, he is interested in understanding the causes and mechanics of the major ecological events throughout geologic history where animal groups have transitioned from life on land to life in the ocean. Many of the mammals that Nick studies are important links in the food web of Southeast Alaska’s waters (or have been in the past). During his Fellowship in Sitka, Nick will be sharing his research as well as his enthusiasm for integrating digital tools and art with paleoscience. He will be giving a public talk as part of the UAS Natural History Seminar series entitled “What does the deep history of whales tell us about the evolution of the oceans?” on Feb 9^th, 7:30 pm UAS room 229.

Sitka Arts and Science Festival - Week 1: July 22-28; Week 2: July 29-August 4

sssc — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 18:45:08 +0000

Sitka Arts and Science Festival - Week 1: July 22-28; Week 2: July 29-August 4

Immerse Yourself in an Intensive Workshop and Wilderness Experience

As busy adults, we often fail to make time for reflection, to think and feel deeply, to challenge ourselves to see the world in new and beautiful ways. Amid the unrelenting pressures of everyday life, we lose our essential and childlike wonder. Give yourself time, space, and perspective—as a student in the Sitka Arts and Science Festival.

Perched at the edge of a wilderness, nestled in one of the most exquisite and vibrant small communities in the world, the Sitka Arts and Science Festival explores what it means to be human against the immensity of forest, ocean, and mountains in Sitka, Alaska.

Through the complementary lenses of art and science, and guided by an extraordinary group of artists and scientists, Festival participants embark on a journey of learning and discovery.

Join us. Immerse yourself in an intensive workshop and experience our wilderness through guided excursions. Be inspired by performances and provoked by lectures. Go behind the scenes with musicians and actors. Reclaim your capacity for wonder and imagination with us this summer.

A program of Sitka Fine Arts Camp, in partnership with the Sitka Sound Science Center

REGISTER HERE

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Sitka is starting a local chapter for the Citizens' Climate Lobby

sssc — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 01:16:57 +0000

Sitka is starting a local chapter for the Citizens' Climate Lobby, see flyer below for upcoming events and read more about them here: http://citizensclimatelobby.org/chapters/AK_Sitka/

Natural History Seminar: The Most Mysterious Murrelet (March 9th, 7:30 pm @ UAS Sitka, Rm 229)

sssc — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 22:54:28 +0000

The next Natural History Seminar talk will feature Chris Sergeant, Ecologist at the National Park Service, Southeast Alaska Network, on "The Most Mysterious Murrelet - what we do and don't know about Kittlitz's Murrelets in Glacier Bay" Thursday, March 9th 7:30 pm UAS Sitka - Room 229

Sitka National Historical Park University of Alaska Southeast Sitka

Meet our new AmeriCorps volunteer Amelia Greenberg!

sssc — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:10:52 +0000

Welcome to Amelia Greenberg, our new AmeriCorps Volunteer! She grew up in New Hampshire and received her BA in English at Grinnell College in Iowa. During college she spent six months in Ecuador studying the in-country impact of globalization on the environment and cultural diversity. She recently returned from six months volunteering with an environmental NGO in Madagascar. Her interest lies in working at the intersection of science and community outreach, and she loves all things outdoors! #americorps #sitkascience #volunteer #sitkaalaska

Alaska Ocean Acidification Network - February E-News

sssc — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 20:15:10 +0000

SSSC is involved in all kinds of ocean acidification(OA) research because people in Sitka rely on the ocean for sustenance. Thank you to the Alaska Longline Fishermen and the Sitka Tribe for your interest and work on OA. Highlighted in this state newsletter: http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=94e2f9739e5720e2341b0e373&id=556ea42455&e=d43fcf2115

Fishermen & scientists discuss OA in Sitka

In an effort to connect the latest OA research with Alaskans who could potentially be most affected, Alaska OA Network partners held a Q&A session with fishermen in Sitka in January. The conversation allowed residents to ask specific questions relating to their livelihoods, and scientists to better understand the concerns of local people. Read more.

New report available on approach and priorities for OA monitoring in Alaska

Last year, 28 ocean acidification researchers in Alaska met to discuss monitoring priorities, appropriate technologies, and acceptable standard operating protocols. One of the outcomes of the meeting was a report which also includes information on historic, current, and planned monitoring efforts. Read more.

Scientist Interview: meet Esther Kennedy

Esther Kennedy is the environmental specialist for the Sitka Tribe, and is overseeing an array of ocean acidification projects in the Sitka Sound region. Among them is the installation of a new OA monitoring buoy. Esther took some time to answer questions about her activities and insights. Read more.

Alaska OA Network enters 2017 with new structure

As the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network approaches its first birthday, a new executive committee and a set of topic-specific working groups are poised to help advance ocean acidification in Alaska. Read more.

About the Network

The mission of the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network is to expand the understanding of ocean acidification processes and impacts in Alaska. Questions? Email Network Director Darcy Dugan, dugan@aoos.org.

Catch up with us - read our February Newsletter!

sssc — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 21:48:20 +0000

Nancy Ricketts Artwork Dedication

On February 1st, we were honored to host the art dedication for Nancy Ricketts, daughter of Ed and Nan Ricketts. John Straley interviewed Nancy, who shared her childhood memories and inspirational journey with the project. Nancy created a needlepointe of a jellyfish, with Norm Cambell’s help, that was inspired by one she collected with her father when she was a child. We will be displaying this needlepoint at our Ricketts Lab here at the SSSC. Nancy also expressed her gratitude for Norm Cambell’s help in preparing her art for display.

Nancy has been highlighted in our local newspaper, the Sitka Sentinel. You can read about her here.

SSSC's Scientist in Residency Fellow: Nick Pyenson

We recently had the priviledge of hosting Nick, the curator of fossil marine mammals at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., for almost all of February. He facilitated quite a few activities in Sitka! For one, he went out to Blatchley Middle School to teach students about the importance of 3D printing for the world of science and art. He brought along a model of a 25,000,000 year old whale skull. The actual fossil is priceless and housed at the Smithsonian.

Nick's Sitka Activties

KCAW morning interview

Natural History Seminar: "What does the deep history of whales tell us about the evolution of the oceans?"

3-D printing discussion with Sitka High School Future Problem Solvers Club and Blatchley Middle School Technology class

Art and natural history guest presentations at Blatchley Middle School Art/Sculpture class and Mount Edgecumbe High School Art Club

Radio interview on the Sitka Nature Show

Facility Upgrades

The aquarium and hatchery now has a back-up saltwater pump. We also have a new saltwater line running directly to the building! This has enabled us to extend our old saltwater line to a separate intake box. Having redundancies throughout the entire system helps us rest easier knowing that we have back-up security. This project was made possible by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

We have installed a back-up power generator to help in the event of power outages (a common occurrence in Sitka!). This means that the life support systems for our salmon, aquarium and research projects will continue to work when the rest of the town goes dark.

Welcome Rachel Klein

Rachel Klein is the Assistant Director and Sitka WhaleFest Director for the Sitka Sound Science Center. She grew up in Bristol Bay, Alaska, and after earning her BA in English Literature and MA in Secondary Education from Pacific Lutheran University, she moved to Sitka to try out Southeast Alaskan life. It wasn’t long before she and her husband decided to buy a house and call Sitka home. Rachel loves to spend her time exploring the beautiful Sitka landscape, reading, cooking, and traveling whenever she can.

Welcome Amelia Greenberg

Amelia is the AmeriCorps State Volunteer at the SSSC. She grew up in New Hampshire and received her BA in English at Grinnell College in Iowa. During college she spent six months in Ecuador studying the in-country impact of globalization on the environment and cultural diversity. She recently returned from six months volunteering with an environmental NGO in Madagascar. Her interest lies in working at the intersection of science and community outreach and she loves all things outdoors!

SSSC 2017 Summer Camps Registrations are now open!

Dates, times, and registrations are now set! You can find details of each summer camp here and register for one of them here.

SSSC Aquarium Winter Hours

THURS - FRI 9-4

SATURDAY 10-3

Spring is almost here and we’re celebrating with our annual Food Web Cruise of Sitka Sound!

From spawning herring to feeding whales, you will enjoy an exciting and up-close experience with the incredible marine food web at this time of year.

Hear from marine mammal biologists, historians, researchers, and other experts while enjoying a fresh, European-style breakfast buffet, donated by local businesses and friends of the Sitka Sound Science Center. This event is an annual fundraiser for Sitka WhaleFest, a unique science festival held each fall to celebrate the rich marine environment around us.

Aboard a catamaran from Allen Marine, we depart Crescent Harbor on Saturday, March 25th at 8:30 am and return by 11:30 am. Tickets are $55/person and are NOW AVAILABLE our SWF website and will be available at Old Harbor Books on March 11th.

For more information, contact Sitka WhaleFest at (907) 747-8878, ext. 2 or whalefest@sitkascience.org

Save the Date: Sitka Whale Fest 2017 SWF will be held on November 3-5, 2017 at Harrigan Centennial Hall Online Registration will begin on June 1st, 2017. Paper Tickets will be available at the Sitka Sound Science Center beginning on October 1st and at Old Harbor Books on October 20th.

For more information, contact Sitka WhaleFest at (907) 747-8878, ext. 2 or whalefest@sitkascience.org

Read about the year we had in previous 2016 Newsletters or from our 2016 Annual Newsletter here!

SSSC Board Co-Chairs Kitty LaBounty & Trish White Treasurer Rob Allen Secretary Linda Waller Members Justin Penny Nancy Leclerc-Davidson Randy Lantiegne Steve Clayton

Happy Valentines day! Our staff spent the holiday with our true love, salmon...approximately 4.5 million salmon! February may be the shortest month in the year, but that doesn't mean that our Science Center is short on activities.

Salmon Life Cycle Mural completed by SSSC Volunteer Laura Kaltenstein

We are so grateful for the beautiful painting that Laura has given us to be displayed within our hatchery. Laura has been an amazing support for our Science Center and we appreciate everything she does for us!

The Inside Scoop: An Interview with SSSC's Laura Kaltenstein

How long have you lived in Sitka and what brought you here? I've been in Sitka for 20 years. I grew up in Homer, lived in other western states and am very happy I came back to coastal Alaska.

What inspires you as an artist? The beautiful colors, patterns and light found in nature. I usually do very detailed work, so as I work, I look closely at the subjects, and become more interested in learning about them. The more I learn about them the more fascinated I am about the way they move and live in their environment.

How did you become a volunteer at the Science Center? I took a "docent" class offered by the science center two years ago, just wanting to learn more, help out, and spend more time there. The more I learned, the more I wanted to learn. There are new sea creatures, new projects, and people there all the time. So I took the class again. It's amazing how much goes on or through that building, that you might not be aware of from just walking in for a visit.

What volunteer roles have you had or what kinds of projects have you worked on with us? I've helped out with tours, special events, tended the front desk, done weekly feedings and cleanings, and have done just one beach debris cleanup, but always wish I had more time to be involved. I have art work in the gift shop in the summer and a couple of pieces in the aquarium.

What do you like about being at the Science Center? The Science Center is such a great place for education. Staff spends time in the schools, doing summer camps, and brings students to the center for classes and field trips. It's a great addition to Sitka for summer visitors to learn about the ocean. Visitors love to see huge whales and bears, but it's also so important for them to see and learn about the whole environment and how it all works together. I lead hikes in summer and always tell visitors to stop in even if it's just for a quick look at the touch tables and aquarium so they can see the smaller sea life in this area. A visit to coastal Alaska would be lacking without seeing and learning a little about what's under their cruise ship. I like being part of helping them to see and understand it better.

Alaska Forum on the Environment Presentation Our very own Science Educator, Kristina Tirman, attended the Alaska Forum on the Environment (AFE), a statewide gathering of environmental professionals from government agencies, non-profit and for-profit businesses, community leaders, Alaskan youth, conservationists, biologists and community elders. Kristina provided an update on SSSC’s Bering Sea Community-Based Marine Debris projects and introduced our local contractors from two Bering Sea communities – Port Heiden and St. Lawrence Island. Scott Anderson and Melissa O’Domin reported on the work on Port Heiden and Fred Jay Ivanoffgave gave a report on St Lawrence Island activity. SSSC has been involved in NOAA and State of Alaska funded Marine Debris monitoring, cleanups, and outreach since 2008 and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to clean our local beaches and waters.

Hatchery and Facility Happenings

It’s been a busy month at the hatchery! Ever wonder what that floating structure is right off the coast of the Science Center? That is our net-pen where we introduce the young salmon to salt water and keep them safe before they develop enough to be sent out into the wild, a process known as out-migration. A lot of preparation and work goes into setting up for the out-migration of the juvenile (immature) salmon. An intense storm swept our buoy and anchor off the net-pens just before we were planning on starting out-migration. Thankfully Port Armstrong hatchery let us borrow one of theirs! We would also like to thank Davey Castle on the Eyak for delivering and setting the new one!

Our pink salmon are in the saltwater and are eating well. We are currently in the process of sending out our chum salmon! Our coho salmon have all hatched and will be spending the next couple of months living off their yolk sacs. Our Hatchery crew is riding out 4 times a day to feed and keep our salmon happy... talk about fish love.

2017 Alaska Fish Culture Conference

NSRAA hosted an exciting fish culture conference Jan 23 - 27th, where we were given the opportunity to become a part of it! We hosted a reception for the participants, gave a tour and presentation, and our Fish Culturist, Jarrod, participated in fish pathology training. These conferences are always a good opportunity for folks in the field to share ideas, challenges and experiences in the field of aquaculture!

Behind the Scenes

We held yet another Behind the Scenes program on February 22nd. The theme was Out-migration of Salmon. We provided an in-depth tour of the salmon incubation room and our nursery! During this tour, our staff gave details of each step taken during out-migration (ponding). You don't want to miss out on this program! We post the event dates on our Facebook page, so 'like' us and check it out!

Education Programs

Pacific High School Elective: Aquaculture 2 – The Rearing of Salmon

Although school was out for two of the four scheduled classes this month, students and staff packed a lot in to the time they had. One of our sessions covered the ponding or out-migration process of salmon in a hatchery. Our staff took the kids out to our net-pens to feed our salmon. We found that there were a few extra minutes open at the end of the feeding...why not whale watch to pass by the time!

Fab Friday – ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicles) If you visit the Science Center on Friday afternoons, you may hear laughter and a swarm of activity. This is from intrigued FAB Friday students experimenting with their new engineering and electrical wiring skills. The students have made great progress creating ROV's from the simple materials provided. This program has been, and will continue to be, an astounding success thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Science Center departments, Blatchley Middle School, and our wonderful volunteer, Scott Helfrich! For more information on any of these Education programs, contact SSSC's Science Education Coordinator Kristina Tirman at (907) 747-8878, ext 11 or ktirman@sitkascience.org

When you give to the SSSC, you are helping the scientific and education mission that explores the Sitka Sound Ecosystems. The SSSC relies on funding support from foundations, grants, corporations and individuals. Please also remember the SSSC in your will. The SSSC is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, and contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by the IRS.

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The Sitka Sound Science Center, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, is dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Alaska through education and research. Based in the only full-service community on the outer coast of Southeast Alaska, the SSSC is uniquely qualified to provide unparalleled access for research in Alaska. Our vision is to build on Sitka's legacy and potential as an education and scientific community, facilitating collaborative research with scientists, industry, government, and community.

Copyright © 2017 Sitka Sound Science Center, All Rights Reserved. Our mailing address is: 834 Lincoln Street Sitka, Alaska 99835 Phone: (907) 747-8878 unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences

SSSC is excited to welcome our new WhaleFest Director, Rachel Klein!

sssc — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 01:26:31 +0000

SSSC Board and Staff are excited to welcome Rachel Klein as the new Sitka WhaleFest Director for the Sitka Sound Science Center. She grew up in Bristol Bay, Alaska, and after earning her BA in English Literature and MA in Secondary Education from Pacific Lutheran University, she moved to Sitka to try out Southeast Alaskan life. Rachel loves to spend her time exploring the beautiful Sitka landscape, reading, cooking, and traveling whenever she can. Rachel will also be Assistant Director as well as manage the retail operations of the Science Center's gift shop. She can be contacted at rklein@sitkascience.org or (907) 747-8878, ext 2.

Calling all Citizen Scientists for Bat Monitoring!

sssc — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 23:48:00 +0000

Bat Monitoring in Sitka

Sitka Sound Science Center is partnering with Alaska Department of Fish and Game to facilitate the collection of data on bat populations around southeast Alaska. From March through November, we need volunteers from the community to help us monitor bat activity in Sitka. The job is straightforward—drive a predetermined 15-mile route with a detector on the roof of your vehicle to capture echolocation calls of bats. Each session should begin 45 minutes after sunset. The audio data collected will help researchers determine bat species and bat populations on the island. The research is also important for helping with early identification of White Nose Syndrome and mitigating the damage in the event that the disease is found in the region.

For more information or to sign-up for shifts, please visit Sitka Sound Science Center. Further information on the research being done can be found at: akcitizenscience.net.

Welcome Dr. Cheryl Rosa, U.S. Arctic Research Commission Deputy Director!

Lauren — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 17:49:35 +0000

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Dr. Cheryl Rosa as our next Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from April 3 to May 2, 2017. Dr. Rosa is Deputy Director and Anchorage-based Alaska Director of the United States Arctic Research Commission (USARC), an independent federal agency of Presidential appointees that advises the White House and Congress on Arctic research matters and works with executive branch agencies to establish and execute a national Arctic research plan. The Commission also facilitates cooperation with local and state governments and recommends means for developing international scientific cooperation in the Arctic. Dr. Rosa is trained as a Wildlife Veterinarian and Wildlife Biologist and has worked with subsistence communities on the North Slope and in the Russian Far East on a wide range of studies involving wildlife health and zoonotic disease, marine mammal stranding response, subsistence food safety and oil spill/offshore discharge research. She is a member of the International Whaling Commission’s Scientific Committee, as well as numerous other federal and non-federal boards and steering committees. Presently, she is involved in running USARC’s Alaska Rural Water and Sanitation Working Group, the Arctic Renewable Energy Working Group and the Arctic Mental and Behavioral Health Working Group. Soon after her arrival, Cheryl will give a public talk as part of the UAS Natural History seminar series entitled “Rapid Arctic Change: why does it matter to you?” on Thursday, April 6^th, 7:30pm UAS room 229. Cheryl will interact with a number of different student groups during her Fellowship: she will visit 8^th grade classes at BMS to discuss marine mammal bioenergetics, assist with a salmon pathology unit with students from PHS, and perform a “walk through a whale” with an elementary-age homeschool group. The Sitka Sound Science Center, through funding from the National Science Foundation is once again hosting Scientist in Residency Fellowships (SIRF) here at our Center. The SIRF program brings preeminent scientists from across the country to Sitka for month long sabbaticals, allowing for undisturbed research free from the interruptions of their daily routine. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. For more information or to schedule a SIRF event please contact Lauren Bell, SIRF Director, 907.747.8878 ext. 9

SSSC March Newsletter!

sssc — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 17:58:10 +0000

The SSSC crew kept busy during March! Our team split forces, diving into the water and diving into the schools for education programs.

Don't worry if you didn't receive our March Newsletter, you may find it here! Subscribe to email list to ensure you don't miss out on our next newsletter!

A group to report, identify, and learn about sea life in Southeast Alaska

sssc — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 17:51:18 +0000

Have you encountered something new or unusual while out fishing, beachcombing, etc. and have a photo to share? Would you like help identifying something you have seen? Noticed any cool color variations or sea life that interests you? If you answered 'yes', then please check out this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1209371232504604/! This group was formed to share information about sea life found in Alaska. It also hopes to track the range of Pyrosoma atlanticum. These colonial tunicates have recently been spreading up the coast and any information about sightings would be greatly appreciated.

Welcome Chance Gray: Dive Safety Officer and Chum Project Coordinator!

sssc — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 17:49:17 +0000

The Science Center is happy to welcome Chance Gray onto our team!

Chance Gray is the Diving Safety Officer and Chum Project Coordinator at the Sitka Sound Science Center. He grew up exploring the mountains and shorelines of South-Central Alaska, but has spent the last 10 years outside the state. During his studies at Whitman College, Chance began his diving career while studying abroad in New Zealand at the University of Otago. Since then, diving has taken him all over the world from the Philippines to Argentina and Tanzania and many places in between. Most recently, Chance was working as a Course Director in the Florida Keys where he was responsible for managing and conducting one of the largest dive instructor programs in North America. Luckily, he has always had a passion for cold water diving which finally brought him back to Alaska in 2017. When not underwater, Chance can be found hiking the trails around Sitka or playing with his son, Wyatt.

SSSC April Newsletter

sssc — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 19:12:50 +0000

Check out our April Newsletter!

Subscribe now to start receiving updates on the happenings within the SSSC!

Welcome Dr. Alan Verde, May Scientist in Residency!

Lauren — Tue, 02 May 2017 18:04:55 +0000

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Dr. Alan Verde as our next Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from May 2 to May 30, 2017. Dr. Verde is a Professor of Marine Biology in the Corning School of Ocean Studies at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) in Castine, MA. He also serves as the Diving Safety Officer for MMA, in which role he oversees all aspects of the academy’s scientific diving program. Alan grew up in the Philippines, received his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science at Walla Walla University, his Ph.D. at Florida Institute of Technology, and held a post-doctoral research position at Oregon State University. His current research interests revolve around the physiological ecology of subarctic sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and octopus. During his Fellowship in Sitka, Alan plans to both write about and conduct research on an anemone found in our local waters: Anthropleura elegantissima, also known as the aggregating or clonal anemone. Sitkans can hear Alan describe his interest in researching the anemones of Sitka Sound on the Raven Radio morning interview on May 5^th at 8:10am. Alan will then expand upon his research in a Natural History seminar entitled “To Be (Green) or Not to Be (Brown): Anemones and Shakespearean drama in the intertidal zone of the Pacific” on May 11^th, 7:30pm UAS room 229. Alan will also be the star presenter of an anemone-focused “Behind the Scenes” after-hours program open to all adults at the Sitka Sound Science Center on May 10^th from 5:30-7pm. For younger folks interested in exploring the wave-shocked shoreline, Alan will be leading a trip to the rocky outer coast on May 27 for high school students willing to help him collect samples for his research. Lastly, Alan will accompany 1^st grade students from Baranof Elementary into the intertidal from May 9 through 11 to explore the many animals that call this environment home. The Sitka Sound Science Center, through funding from the National Science Foundation is once again hosting Scientist in Residency Fellowships (SIRF) here at our Center. The SIRF program brings preeminent scientists from across the country to Sitka for month long sabbaticals, allowing for undisturbed research free from the interruptions of their daily routine. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. For more information or to schedule a SIRF event please contact Lauren Bell, SIRF Director, 907.747.8878 ext. 9

Summer hours of operation start May 8!

sssc — Mon, 01 May 2017 21:04:42 +0000

Starting May 8, the aquarium and gift shop will be open for our summer hours! Monday-Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm *Ludvig's Chowder cart opens Tuesday, May 9th.

Science Center Summer Camps!

sssc — Wed, 24 May 2017 23:58:01 +0000

It's not too late to sign up for summer camps! Click here for more information or go here to register now! *Featured* For students entering 7^th-9^th grade: Revolution – June 12-16, 9 am – noon “We all want to change the world.” How do engineers become innovative designers? In this camp, we will use a design process to generate ideas, solve problems, and test prototypes related to contemporary industry products and processes. Expect some unique challenges and thought-provoking experimentation. “Revolution” will be facilitated by visiting engineers! For students entering 1^st-3^rd grade: Ocean in Motion – July 17-21, 9 am – noon Plankton and plastics have one thing in common – they travel on ocean currents! Campers will look at all kinds of currents in the natural world and develop understandings about causes and characteristics of currents through observations, experimentation, and modeling. For students entering 4^th-6^th grade: Sports in Action – July 10-14, 9 am – noon What factors affect the path of a projectile? How do pitchers change the drop on a ball? Can we use scientific understandings of motion to be better ball players? Campers will exercise both their minds and their muscles in the sports motion camp! Blades in Motion – July 24-28, 1 – 4 pm “There is no such thing as a gliding helicopter.” The design challenges of helicopters, windmills, propellers, and other blades will keep these campers busy. Field trips, observations of insects, plants, birds, and marine life as well as sessions with experts will create new ways of thinking for our young engineers. For families: Earth on the Move – July 5-7, 10 am – 2 pm Learning about our island is fun for all ages – especially when the topic is dirt! In this camp, scientists from the US Forest Service will lead explorations of geologic landforms. Each day will feature a new field trip to learn about faulting, uplift, and erosion. Field trips, experiments, and modeling activities will mean active families. Family camps are perfect for everyone – parent(s) and children, of course, but also visiting favorite aunt/uncle and their nephews/nieces, grandparents looking for quality time opportunities with grandchildren, and so on. Prices for Summer Camps Science Center Members and Coast Guard Family = $100/camper and $120/family camp Non-Science Center Members = $125/camper and $150/family camp

SSSC Celebrating 10 Years with Reprint of Jack Calvin's "Square-Rigged"

sssc — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 20:03:48 +0000

As a part of our 10th anniversary, the Sitka Sound Science Center reprinted the 1929 classic "Square-Rigged" by Jack Calvin! Follow young Bert Lindsay as he sails from San Francisco to Bristol Bay, Alaska. Full of intrigue, adventure, and grit, "Square-Rigged" is a masterfully crafted story that holds a noteworthy place in maritime literature. Purchase your copy at our Gift Shop or our online store (copies are also available at Old Harbor Books). [caption id="attachment_11915" align="aligncenter" width="3388"] Square Rigged Diagram created by Colin Baciocco[/caption]

Welcome USCGA cadets, Lindsey & Cecelia!

Lauren — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 19:58:59 +0000

We are excited to welcome U.S. Coast Guard Academy undergraduates 1/c Lindsey Critser and 1/c Cecelia Hosley to Sitka for their 6-week science internship at the Sitka Sound Science Center! The purpose of this science internship is to provide students with a short-term research project that they can take ownership of, and that is meaningful to other ongoing research initiatives in the area. SSSC Research Biologist Lauren Bell will be providing scientific mentorship to the cadets while they are here, and they are being housed by CG Air Station Sitka. For their primary project, Lindsey and Cece will replicate and expand upon shellfish surveys conducted by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska in 2016 at Starrigavan Recreation Area, which will provide useful information for local subsistence harvesters. They will also be working on the redeployment of a nearshore harbor buoy to monitor water quality parameters in front of SSSC. Lindsey and Cece will have ample opportunity to get to know and explore our coastal community, and participate in a variety of research and educational initiatives during their time here. Many thanks to Professors Lucy Vlietstra and Karina Mrakovcich at the USCGA, LT Ray Jamros at CG Air Station Sitka, and environmental lab staff at the Sitka Tribe of Alaska for their support and helping to make this great internship experience possible!

More about the cadets: Lindsey Critser is a junior at the United States Coast Guard Academy and is currently studying Marine and Environmental Science with a focus in Biology and Physical Oceanography. At the Academy, she is a member of the triathlon team. Her hobbies include hiking, kayaking, and biking. Leading up to this internship, she has been conducting research on continuously-deployed water loggers in Sitka Sound to determine the accuracy of single sampling sites, specifically near the kelp beds. Cecelia Hosley, or Cece as many people know her, is a junior at the USCGA. At the Academy, Cece is studying marine and environmental science with a particular focus on physical oceanography and marine biology. She grew up in Connecticut and a remote part of the island of Martha’s Vineyard off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts where she fell in love with the ocean from an early age. Cece now works with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on a project that works to acoustically identify baleen whales through a buoy off of Cape Cod for the purpose of ship-strike avoidance and conservation of North Atlantic Right Whales. She is also currently working on a project with the Mystic Aquarium on the validation of obtaining hormone concentrations in whale blow, or specifically the beluga whale’s exhale, to evaluate what type of health information can be obtained from that data and how to apply these techniques to wild whales. When Cece is not wrapped up in the world of marine science she can be found playing lacrosse for the CGA, hiking, horseback riding or at the beach!

Sitka Fine Arts Camp has Family Night at SSSC!

sssc — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 19:31:42 +0000

Sitka Fine Arts campers and their families visited the Sitka Sound Science Center on June 15th for Family Night. They particpated in an Eco-Discovery education program called "The Case of the Lost Baby Sea Urchin." For the activity, campers had to visit different stations throughout the Science Center to determine what environment Bella the baby sea urchin would most likely live so they could return her to her home. Afterward, campers and their families explored our touch tanks and were able to touch a real live sea urchin! [caption id="attachment_11936" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Photo credit: Lindsey Critser[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11935" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Photo credit: Lindsey Critser[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11937" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Photo credit: Lindsey Critser[/caption]

Cadets and Clams!

KristinaT — Tue, 18 Jul 2017 00:19:34 +0000

Join Sitka Sound Science Center's summer research interns Lindsey Critser and Cecelia Hosley for a public talk about their work developing a long-term monitoring protocol for local shellfish populations, Wednesday evening at 6pm at the Sitka Public Library. During their 6 weeks in Sitka, Lindsey and Cece worked under the mentorship of SSSC Research Biologist Lauren Bell and alongside Sitka Tribe of Alaska Environmental Lab staff to survey Starrigavan Beach, an important subsistence shellfish harvesting site. During their presentation, they will discuss the results of their research as well as share their experience attending school at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.

Coffee & Quarks on Saturday, July 29th

sssc — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 17:23:29 +0000

Join us at the Science Center Saturday, July 29th at 10am for Coffee & Quarks! Our visiting physicists for the Sitka Sound Summer Workshop are taking questions about anything you ever wanted to know about the universe. Submit your anonymous question and attend the public discussion (coffee provided)!

Visiting Physics Professor to Give Talk at Sitka Public Library

sssc — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 21:31:41 +0000

Professor Kurt Hinterbichler will be presenting "Measuring the Size of the Universe" at Sitka Public Library on Thursday, August 3rd at 6pm. Hinterbichler was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earned his Ph.D at Columbia University in New York City, and is now a professor of physics at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a theoretical physicist who uses mathematics to study cosmology and gravity at the largest known scales and the earliest known times. Hinterbichler is a participant of the 2017 Sitka Sound Summer Workshop. The talk is free to the public.

Introducing our Junior Naturalist Program

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Fri, 28 Jul 2017 20:01:41 +0000

The program takes school-aged kids on an in-depth journey through the Ahlgren Aquarium and SJ Hatchery, where they will complete different quests. Once all five quests have been completed, they will be awarded a Junior Naturalist badge. Daily admission rates apply, so consider becoming a member. For questions, contact Sandy McClung at smcclung@sitkascience.org.

NOAA to Offer Option for Electronic Monitoring in 2018

sssc — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 22:52:09 +0000

The Sitka Sound Science Center is excited to hear that NOAA will offer electronic monitoring to fishermen next year. Great work from the multiple parties involved, including ALFA and Archipelago Marine Research, who both rent space at SSSC! Read the full press release here: https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/node/56859 [caption id="attachment_12334" align="alignnone" width="2448"] Image provided by Dane McFadden.[/caption]

Natural History Seminar on Wednesday, August 30th at UAS!

sssc — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 18:24:23 +0000

Thomas Quinn (a faculty member of UW's Acquatic and Fishery Sciences) will be leading the next Natural History Seminar. His presentation will illustrate the role of bears in the ecology and evolution of salmon, and the importance of salmon as food for bears. This Wednesday, August 30th, 7:30pm at University of Alaska Southeast Sitka in Room 229!

Behind the Scenes - Spawning! Thursday, September 7th @5:30pm

KristinaT — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 20:23:03 +0000

***Date has been changed to Thursday, September 7th**

The first “Behind the Scenes” of the 2017 fall season will take place this Thursday, September 7th, from 5:30 - 7pm at the Sitka Sound Science Center. “Behind the Scenes” is a free adult program that gives an informal peek into the workings of the Science Center. This first session will focus on salmon spawning. You can expect 90 minutes of intriguing activities and on-the-job training exercises in the hatchery. Dress comfortably – wear rain gear and boots. For more information about the event contact Kristina Tirman, ktirman@sitkascience.org or 907.747.8878 ext3.

Sitka Sprouts is Back!

KristinaT — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 23:01:41 +0000

Sprouts is back! The first Sprouts of the season will take place on September 19th at 10:30am. Sprouts is a free science education program for children ages 3-5 yrs and their parents that takes place every Tuesday morning from 10:30 - 11:30am at the Sitka Sound Science Center. Each session begins with a story followed by a variety of hands-on science activities and crafts related to the theme of the story. Join us every Tuesday morning at the Sitka Sound Science Center for fun, hands-on learning! For more information about Sprouts, contact Kristina Tirman at ktirman@sitkascience.org or call 907.747.8878 ext. 3.

9/22 is the Gift Shop's Last Day of 2017 Season

sssc — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 17:36:59 +0000

The SSSC Gift Shop's last day of the season will be next Friday, September 22nd. We will be having an End of Season Sale from 9/19-9/22: 10% off Storewide! *Sale discount cannot be combined with any other discount*

Haunted Aquarium and Hatchery

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 00:18:22 +0000

Join us on Saturday, October 21 from 6-8pm, for our Haunted Aquarium and Hatchery. We will have some spooky arts and crafts for the kids, as well as some tasty treats. The hatchery will host our haunted house style attraction, for the little more daring crowd. Cost is $10 for non-members, and $6 for members, and includes admission to all attractions. Not quite so daring? Admission to the aquarium only can be purchased for $5 ($3 for members).

Welcome Dr Alek Petty October Scientist in Residency!

Alex R — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 22:29:25 +0000

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Dr. Alek Petty as our next Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from October 8th to October 31st, 2017. Dr. Petty is a Research Scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. Alek studied at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom; where his dissertation on “Non-invasive detection of neural currents” earned him a Masters’ degree in Physics. His career as an Arctic scientist started with his PhD research on computer simulations of the sea ice and ocean surrounding Antarctica. Alek now specializes in both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice variability, where he explores the world of sea ice through his research into polar atmosphere-ocean interactions, extreme Arctic weather events, and sea ice predictability. During his Fellowship in Sitka, Alek plans to focus on finalizing a new model of snow accumulation over Arctic sea ice - a key metric needed for satellite measurements of sea ice thickness - and is hoping to better understand the potential impact of extreme weather events on local Arctic communities. Sitkans can hear Alek describe his research interests on the Raven Radio morning interview on October 12th at 8:10am. Alek will then expand upon his research in a Natural History seminar entitled “Rapid declines in Arctic sea ice cover: what does this mean for Alaska?” on October 26th at 7:30pm, UAS room 229. Alek will also be working with several secondary classes at Blatchley Middle School, Sitka High School, and Mount Edgecumbe High School to demonstrate the latest satellite technology used to measure sea ice from space, to model how we can use this data to predict future Arctic sea ice cover, and to establish the importance of sea ice for the global ocean circulation system. The Sitka Sound Science Center is appreciative of the Skaggs Foundation for support of this Scientist in Residency Fellow. The SIRF program brings preeminent scientists from across the country to Sitka for month long sabbaticals, allowing for undisturbed research free from the interruptions of their daily routine. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. For more information or to schedule a SIRF event please contact Alexandra Ravelo, SIRF Director, 907.747.8878 ext. 9 Listen to Alek's interview on Raven Radio here: https://www.kcaw.org/2017/10/12/scientists-studying-ice-oceans-bring-work-sssc/

Check out our September Newsletter!

sssc — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 18:45:44 +0000

Learn about what we've been up to during September! Be sure to subscribe to hear more in the future!

SIRF Alek Petty will present at the Natural History Seminar Series on October 26th

Alex R — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 23:51:57 +0000

U.S. and Canadian Scientists Explore Major Undersea Earthquake Fault

sssc — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 18:12:44 +0000

"An international team of scientists just finished probing the depths of the Pacific Ocean offshore of Alaska and British Columbia, to better understand the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather Fault. During the past century, the 700-mile-long fault has generated at least half a dozen major earthquakes, and future shocks threaten coastal communities in both the United States and Canada. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, joined by colleagues from Natural Resources Canada, the University of Calgary, and the Sitka Sound Science Center in Alaska, spent 20 days at sea aboard the Canadian Coast Guard Ship, “John P. Tully.” The expedition covered more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the southern Haida Gwaii islands in British Columbia to Cross Sound near Juneau, Alaska. They were looking for clues to the future of a fault often compared to a more famous one in California..." Read the remainder of the article on the USGC website!

Scientists prepare to lower a piston corer off Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, to sample seafloor sediment near the Queen Charlotte-Fairweather fault. Expedition scientists are studying layers of sediment in the cores they collected to identify and determine ages of past earthquakes along the fault. This information will help them assess future threats to coastal communities in the U.S. and Canada.(Credit: James Conrad, U.S. Geological Survey. Public domain.)

Last Week to Register Online for 2017 Sitka WhaleFest!

sssc — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 20:17:11 +0000

2017 Sitka WhaleFest's online registration is only open for one more week! Online registration will close on Tuesday, October 31st at 5pm AKST. Sitka WhaleFest tickets are also available now at Old Harbor Books (cash or check only) and will be available at the Registration Desk in Centennial Hall starting Friday, November 3rd (credit card, cash, or check accepted). Click here to register online for the symposium, Maritime Grind, Marine Mingle, Feeding Grounds Banquet, Wildlife Cruises, and much more! Self-paying students qualify for a Symposium discount code. Please email whalefest@sitkascience.org for more information. This year’s theme is “The Making-Of: Behind the Scenes of Science.” Our speakers will give insight into the lesser-known aspects of marine science: the serendipitous moments that inspire scientists to dive into their research; what drives their curiosity and makes them tick; the connections that link to other marine research; and lastly, what scientists do with their findings– should scientists take action and become advocates, or let the science speak for itself? Join us for Sitka WhaleFest from November 2nd-5th, 2017!

ECO-DISCOVERY - THE DANGEROUS JOURNEY OF THE SILVER SALMON, October 27 10AM to NOON

sssc — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 17:57:32 +0000

Come explore the salmon‘s life-cycle through interactive stations, overcoming multiple obstacles in order to survive this dangerous journey.

Welcome Dr Kate Stafford November Scientist in Residency!

Alex R — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 23:35:23 +0000

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Dr. Kate Stafford as our next Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from November 2^nd to December 1^st, 2017. Dr. Stafford is a Principal Oceanographer at the Applied Physics Lab and affiliate Associate Professor in the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Kate studied at the University of California Santa Cruz, where she double majored in French Literature and Biology. After college, her love for the French language took her to Paris as a Fulbright scholar, where she lived for a year studying Medieval French Literature. Kate continued with her passion for science at Oregon State University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science and a PhD in Oceanography. Her research focuses on using passive acoustic monitoring to examine migratory movements, geographic variation and physical drivers of marine mammals, particularly large whales. She is one of the founding members of the Scholarly Union for Bio-Physical Arctic Research and co-chair of the Southern Ocean Research Partnership Blue and Fin Whale Acoustics project. She has worked all over the world from the tropics to the poles, and is fortunate enough to have seen (and recorded) blue whales in every ocean in which they occur. Kate’s current research focuses on the changing acoustic environment of the Arctic and how changes, from sea ice declines to increasing industrial human use, may be influencing subarctic and Arctic marine mammals. In concurrence with her Scientist In Residency Fellowship (SIRF), Kate is a keynote speaker for Sitka WhaleFest. Her presentation "Jazz Singers of the Arctic” will take place on Friday November 3^rd at 2:00 pm in Harrigan Centennial Hall. Sitkans can also learn about Kate’s research on Raven Radio’s Good Day Show on November 8 at 9:30 am. Kate will also host a behind the scenes event at the SSSC on November 15^th at 5:30 pm. In addition, she will be working with secondary classes to explore how marine scientists are using technology in innovative ways to understand ocean soundscapes. Join Kate for a community kayak outing with hydrophones to explore the “Sounds in the Sound”, weather dependent, this event will take place on an afternoon from the 20 to 23 of November. The SIRF program, with support from the National Science Foundation, brings preeminent scientists from across the country to Sitka for month long sabbaticals, allowing for undisturbed research free from the interruptions of their daily routine. The program provides scientists the opportunity to engage our town in science, sharing their research and career pathways, while also benefiting from the important local knowledge of residents. For more information or to schedule a SIRF event please contact Alexandra Ravelo, SIRF Director, 907.747.8878 ext. 9 Find more information on Kate's Sitka WhaleFest presentation here http://sitkawhalefest.org/

Alaska Ocean Acidification Network Survey

sssc — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 20:42:24 +0000

The Alaska Ocean Acidification Network is interested in your opinion and priorities. Researchers and resources managers are monitoring ocean acidification in Alaska, and need your input to develop a build-out plan for the monitoring network. Your help will make sure the plan addresses questions that are important to Alaskans. This survey should take less than 10 minutes. The AK Ocean Acidification Network appreciates your participation. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AKOceanAcidification [caption id="attachment_12795" align="aligncenter" width="952"] Photo: Alaska Ocean Acidification Research Center[/caption] Background The Alaska Ocean Acidification Network was established in 2016 and is made up of researchers, fishermen, shellfish growers, Tribes, educators, and others who are committed to expanding the understanding of ocean acidification in Alaska as well as adaptation strategies. Currently, ocean acidification monitoring is taking place across the state in a variety of forms including fixed instruments, ship based surveys, autonomous vehicles, community water sampling efforts, and an instrumented state ferry. Due to the size of our coastline and the amount of data needed to understand trends, there is significant work to be done to understand and predict future conditions and species response. The Network is invested in a collaborative approach to maximize research efforts, engage with the public to address the possible impacts of ocean acidification, and discuss adaptation. You can find more at the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network.

Sounds in the Sound: November 21st

sssc — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 21:09:00 +0000

Join Dr. Kate Stafford for a kayaking expedition to record the whales in Sitka Sound!

Dr. Kate Stafford is the SSSC’s current Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from November 2^nd to December 1^st, 2017. Dr. Stafford is a Principal Oceanographer at the Applied Physics Lab and affiliate Associate Professor in the School of Oceanography at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Her research focuses on using passive acoustic monitoring to examine migratory movements, geographic variation and physical drivers of marine mammals, particularly large whales. Kate’s expertise as an acoustician allows her to investigate the changing acoustic environment of the Arctic and how changes, from sea ice declines to increasing industrial human use, may be influencing subarctic and Arctic marine mammals. “Sounds in the Sound” is a free community event that involves kayaking (or joining by boat) into Sitka Sound with hydrophones to listen and record whales communicating. Join the SSSC and Dr. Kate Stafford on this unique experience, offered to the community of Sitka for free! This event is weather dependent and everyone interested in participating must sign up in advance so we know how many to expect and how to contact you if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Event date: Tuesday November 21^st (if weather allows) Alternative date: Wednesday Nov. 22^nd(if weather allows)

Trip plan:

11:30 am Depart from beach next to Sitka Sound Science Center (834 Lincoln St). Paddle to Eastern Channel (30 – 40 min).

12:00 – 12:15 pm Float with hydrophones in the water recording ambient sound – and hopefully whales! (30 - 45 min).

1:00 pm Return to Sitka Sound Science Center (30 – 40 min)

1:30 – 2:00 pm (upon return) Q&A with Kate and warm-up: Sitka Sound Science Center. Hot cocoa and cookies provided!

What to bring: -Kayak, paddle, life vest -Waterproof clothes (jacket, pants, gloves) -Warm clothes (layers, hat, gloves)

Alternative activity (if expedition is not possible due to weather): Wednesday Nov. 22^nd 11:30 am hot cocoa and cookies at the SSSC listening to whale recordings, including from SE Alaska, and Q&A with Dr. Stafford. For people that do not kayak: There will be limited spots on Davey’s water taxi for $25. Water taxi would depart from Crescent Harbor at tentative departure time 12:00, but will be confirmed. This option is dependent on a minimum number of people signing up in advanced and has limited capacity. So sign up soon! Individuals interested in participating in this event will need to sign up here or by contacting event organizer, Alex Ravelo at 907-747-8878, ext. 9 (leave a message with contact information if no answer and specify if interested in water taxi reservation).

Next Natural History Seminar Series presents "Spalted Wood: From Ancient Art to Modern Science"

whalefest — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 19:51:44 +0000

The next Natural History seminar features Dr. Sara Robinson presenting "Spalted Wood: From ancient art to modern science" on Thursday December 7th at 7:30pm at UAS room 229. Wood colored by fungi (spalted wood) has a deep history in Europe in intarsia and marquetry woodworks. This medium is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity in the US currently, as woodturning artists reinterpret this unique material for a new art form. This talk will given overview of the history of spalted wood and its use from carefully guarded medieval guild secret to contemporary art found in museums. Dr. Robinson will share some of the surprising uses of spalted wood being developed in part through her lab at Oregon State, including applications as biomarkers, UV-resistant paint, and solar cells. Dr. Robinson is assistant professor of Anatomy of Renewable Materials (RM) within the Wood Science & Engineering (WS&E) department at Oregon State University. The Natural History seminar series is supported by a grant from the Sitka Permanent Charitable Trust to the Sitka Sound Science Center and by University of Alaska Southeast and the National Park Service. If you have any questions please contact Kitty LaBounty at 747-9432 or kllabounty@alaska.edu

We are now hiring for a Business Development Director

whalefest — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 20:29:20 +0000

The Sitka Sound Science Center is now hiring for a Business Development Director. Click on the link below for the full job description and for instructions on how to apply: www.sitkascience.org/about/employment

Sounds in the Sound: a mission to record whales in Sitka Sound by Kate Stafford

Alex R — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 21:08:42 +0000

Sounds in the Sound: a mission to record whales in Sitka Sound

by Kate Stafford

Part 1 We had our “sounds in the sound” kayaking trip to Eastern Channel on Tuesday under calm winds and sunny skies. Unfortunately the whales didn’t cooperate as they had moved to Sitka Sound – we only saw a few blows in the distance. We did put out dipping hydrophones (underwater microphones that you hang off a boat or kayak) and listened to the sounds of waves, kayaks bumping each other and numerous small boats zipping around Eastern Channel. Everyone was surprised at how much sound the engines of small vessels put into the water. Jan Straley and her students have been listening to and documenting the many sounds humpback whales make in Sitka Sound which include moans and grunts and feeding calls and, in the fall and winter, song. For community members who didn’t want to kayak, Davey Lubin took a group out with Jan Straley and they recovered an underwater hydrophone that had been put out two days before in Eastern Channel from Ernie Eggleston’s boat. They also put the dipping hydrophone in to listen for whales and, like the kayakers, heard very little. And when the data were downloaded from the instrument that had been underwater, there were a few feeding calls and other vocalizations as well as some really faint song. Part 2 Humpback whale males produce long elaborate songs in the winter that are thought to serve a dual purpose – let other males know something about the size or age or social status of the singer – but also to let females get an idea of whether the male might contribute good genes (make a good father). Songs are usually made on breeding grounds in the tropics (Hawaii, Mexico, Asia) and all males sing the same song during the winter. Singing on the breeding grounds can last hours or days. It is not known how long singing lasts on the feeding grounds. One song can last minutes or hours and consists of several themes repeated over and over. More and more, songs are being heard on what are traditionally considered feeding or summering regions like Sitka where humpback whales are increasingly being seen (and heard) through the winter. It is thought that males might be “practicing” before heading south or males who might not migrate but still sing in the winter How song changes across a population from year to year is speculated to happen on the feeding grounds. Since most of the humpback whales moved out of Eastern Channel, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Jan, Lauren Wild and Kate Stafford headed out with the hydrophone, line, an anchor and a float and deployed the instrument in a region where there were easily over 50 whales spread out from south to north to west. We put the dipping hydrophone in and heard a number of sounds from whales including feeding calls. Four days later we headed out on Dave and Lisa Moore’s boat to retrieve the recorder and were again in the midst of lots of whales. When we downloaded the data from the second deployment in the first few hours we heard lots of feeding calls and one really loud song! Here is a snippet of the hydrophone recordings (Tip: increase the volume of your speakers to get the full experience) [audio wav="http://www.sitkascience.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/SongsnippetforSSSC.wav"][/audio]

Learn about ringed seals in Alaska - Thursday Jan 18th at 730pm at UAS

Alex R — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 23:37:30 +0000

Summer Camp Registration Opens Feb. 5th!

KristinaT — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 19:28:02 +0000

The theme of the summer camps of 2018 is “collections”. Whether it is a 1st grader exploring metamorphic rocks or an 8th grader looking at the engineering behind building trails, all the summer camps emphasize building strong science foundations in an engaging, active manner that celebrates exploration and tinkering.

Check back on Monday, February 5th for a full list of our 2018 camps and registration!

For more information about summer camps contact Kristina, at ktirman@sitkascience.org.

2018 Summer Camp Registration Now Open!

KristinaT — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 18:03:53 +0000

Click here to visit our summer camp webpage! Register online or in-person at the Science Center.

Please contact Kristina at ktirman@sitkascience.org with any questions.

The Mill Project

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 17:23:58 +0000

The Sitka Sound Science Center is dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Alaska through education and research. We could not accomplish this without the facility support of the Sitka Sawmill Building. The Mill Building is fundamental to delivering quality science education and top-notch research programs that are important to our national welfare. We need your help now to save it. The renovation of the Mill Building is not just about keeping a piece of our national history or research or salmon enhancement or education opportunities for our youth. The renovation of the Mill Building will also create new possibilities for the future. With the ocean at its front door, this simple structure looks out over Sitka Sound, the North Pacific Ocean where the next frontiers in scientific discovery await us. Who knows what answers the ocean holds to some of our biggest questions about cures for disease, sources of energy, and new technology The Mill Building isn’t just 4 walls and a roof… The Mill Building is a local, state and national resource. It is a place for students, scientists, fishermen, naturalists, teachers, historians, shoppers, baby salmon, curious kids, artists, divers, seafood enthusiasts, newlyweds, life-long learners, and everyone else. By donating to the Mill Project, you will be supporting Alaskan salmon. You will be ensuring a rich education for rural students and the general public. You will be helping to build upon the rich legacy of science and research in Sitka, Southeast, and Alaska. By donating to the Mill Project, you will be investing in a future that answers some of our biggest questions about the ocean and the world around us. During the Mill Building’s rich history it has been a place to mill the lumber used to build boats and homes, teach Alaska Native students, experiment with aquaculture, foster new relationships, launch a kayak adventure, converse with physicists about the universe, eat a bowl of chowder with friends, rearticulate a killer whale skeleton….the list goes on. The Mill Building is a place that allows us to reflect on our past while enrich our future. It is an irreplaceable landmark and living treasure. If we don’t work together to protect our national history and help build a brighter future for research and science education, who will? Any amount you can contribute will get us that much closer to our collective goal! We are just asking that you give an amount that is significant to you, whether it be $20 or $2,000. It takes a village to keep our community thriving. Science is a critical part of ensuring we build a future that we are proud to share with generations to come. Please give today.

Welcome Allison Nelson May-June Scientist in Residency!

Alex R — Wed, 02 May 2018 20:32:47 +0000

Join the Sitka Sound Science Center staff and Board in welcoming Allison Nelson as our next Scientist in Residency Fellow, here from May 13^th to June 17^th, 2018. Allison is the founder and director of Gold Country Avian Studies, a non-profit organization focusing on the research and conservation of birds in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Allison received her Masters degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from San Francisco State University. Since then, her research has focused on the migratory geography of the Hermit Thrush using geolocator tracking devices. Hermit Thrushes drew Allison to Sitka when her geolocator data indicated that thrushes wintering in the San Francisco Bay Area migrate to breeding grounds in Southeast Alaska. She is also collaborating with researchers at the University of California Los Angeles to develop a Hermit Thrush genoscape, a map of this species’ genetic variation across its breeding range. Allison is a U.S. Geological Survey federally permitted bird bander, certified by the North American Banding Council. She has worked as a biologist for Point Blue Conservation Science, the University of Queensland, the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project, and the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. She has also worked in environmental conservation and education at San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, Outward Bound, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. She serves on the board of the Western Bird Banding Association and on the Lands Committee of Bear Yuba Land Trust. Allison hopes that her research and educational programs will inspire people to become stewards of birds and their habitats. While in Sitka, Allison will be collecting data on Hermit Thrushes, at remote locations throughout Sitka Sound, along with leading numerous community events. Sitkans can learn about Allison’s research on Raven Radio’s morning interview on May 16^th at 8:10am. Soon after arriving, Allison will lead a bird walk with Blatchely Middle School’s 6^th grade science class. For those in Sitka interested in learning about our wonderful local bird community, Allison will guide a bird walk through Sitka’s National Historical Park on June 9^th, novice birders and children are encouraged to join! On June 12^th, Allison will present at the Sitka Summer Music Festival, along with local pianist Susan Reed, on the song of the Hermit Thrush and the compositions they have inspired. Check out the SSSC’s website and Facebook page for more information regarding these and other exciting events with Allison!

Bird Walk in Totem Park with ornithologist, Allison Nelson on June 9th

Alex R — Thu, 24 May 2018 01:04:57 +0000

Sitka Sound Science Center is pleased to host a coffee and bagels meet and greet with Allison Nelson, our visiting Scientist in Residency Fellow. Allison’s work has focused on the Hermit Thrush, a migratory songbird native to Sitka. Following informal conversation about birds and her research.

On June 9^th at 7:30 am

Meet in the SSSC Retail Shop located in the Mill Building

Allison will lead a bird walk at the Sitka National Historic Park, 8 – 9 AM.

Families and young birders are encouraged to attend!

The Sitka Sound Science Center is hosting this event as a part of the National Science Foundation funded Scientist in Residency Fellowship program and funding from the National Park Service. This event is a collaboration between the two entities and the Sitka Conservation Society.

For more information, please contact Tory O’Connell at Sitka Sound Science Center, (907) 747-8878, Ext 7, voconnell@sitkascience.org

Become a Jr. Naturalist

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 20:05:57 +0000

Are you looking for something fun to do this summer? Do you love science and want to learn more? Our Jr. Naturalist program may be just the thing for you! Participants will complete 5 quests, each comprised of 2 activities, which will make them go a little bit deeper into an area of the Science Center. Some topics include intertidal exploration, whales vs. fish, and marine debris, just to name a few. Once all 5 quests have been completed, the child will be awarded a Jr. Naturalist badge! This program is designed for school aged children, but any are welcome to participate. The full program is meant to be completed over several visits to the Science Center, and daily admission fees apply, so consider becoming a member, to save on the admission fees. For more information, contact Sandy at (907)747-8878, ext. 16.

Library Dedication

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 19:21:28 +0000

We dedicated the Steward Library in honor of Dr. Margaret and David Steward, who have been wonderful supporters of the Science Center since its inception. The Stewards both had fathers who worked in and around field stations and they believe in the value of field stations as a community resource, a place to apply science and learn by being outdoors.

A Walk Thru Time

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 18:52:44 +0000

This month we had a “Walk Thru Time” event at the Science Center in which we celebrated the past uses of our facilities. Using four stations in the Sawmill and Sage buildings, experts shared stories about our rich history. Steve Clayton, Thad, James and Rebecca Poulson talked to attendees about the Brady Log Haul, used to haul wood into the sawmill building which trained students. The Log haul has been refurbished and is now on display outside our buildings along the Sitka Seawalk. Nancy Yaw Davis shared stories of growing up around the Sitka Sawmill building which her dad, a past president of Sheldon Jackson College, oversaw in construction. SSSC is currently raising funds to renovate the Mill Building. Nancy Ricketts spoke about collecting trips with her dad, Ed Ricketts. Ed was a co-author along with Jack Calvin of the seminal textbook Between Pacific Tides. Mary Purvis read from her grandparents’ (Jack and Sasha Calvin) journal about travelling by canoe from Tacoma to Southeast Alaska. Their canoe is on display in our Calvin classroom in the Sage Building.

Cost Recovery

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 18:55:40 +0000

We have begun our cost recovery seining. We are more than halfway to our goal, with over 200,000 pounds of fish being caught and sold. A huge thank you to the crew of the Lucy O and Captain Nick Miller for all their help catching our fish to help our hatchery operations continue.

Sitka WhaleFest

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 18:58:34 +0000

Registration for Sitka WhaleFest is officially open! This years Curious Creatures theme will have something for everyone! Again this year we are offering the Early Bird discount on the Full Symposium registration. Purchase your tickets prior to October 1^st to receive the discounted rate of $75 instead of $95. To register, click here. Stay up to date with all things Sitka WhaleFest on our website and Facebook page.

SSSC Staff Beach Clean-Up

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 19:02:23 +0000

The SSSC staff spent a day cleaning up marine debris off the shores of Kruzoff Island. After 3 hours of clean-up, we collected hundreds of pounds of trash, made up of entanglements hazards, styrofoam, and even the hatch from a boat hold. Thank you to Alaskan Brewing Company for providing the funds to make this possible.

Win 2 Round-trip Tickets on AK Airlines

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 19:12:21 +0000

For Sitka WhaleFest, we are raffling off two roundtrip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at the Science Center or the Pioneer Bar. Drawing will be November 4, and while you don't need to be present to win, we are unable to mail the tickets, meaning you need a representative in Sitka to pick them up. Thank you to Alaska Airlines for making this raffle possible.

Senator Murkowski Pays a Visit

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 19:35:03 +0000

United States Senator Lisa Murkowski paid a visit to the Science Center during her time in Sitka in August. During her visit, she heard from our education team about the Scientist in the Schools program, spoke with Dr. Kristy Kroeker of UC Santa Cruz and PhD student and SSSC Research Associate Lauren Bell about their research into Ocean Acidification, watched Pearl the Octopus get fed a live crab, and took a quick tour of the Mill Building.

Welcome Alana Peterson to the Board

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 16:23:46 +0000

SSSC would like to welcome Alana Peterson to our Board. Alana was born and raised in Sitka Alaska, and is Tlingit, a Raven of the Luknahadi (Coho) clan. Professionally Alana has earned a Bachelor’s of Science and Masters Degree, both in Business Administration. She served as a small business development volunteer in the Peace Corps Peru from 2009-2011. Since then she has worked in economic development for Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Sealaska, and Spruce Root, Inc. She is a member of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership, a growing network of organizations in SE Alaska working together to create resilient communities.

OBFS 2018 Human Diversity Award Recipient

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 16:35:25 +0000

The Sitka Sound Science Center has been awarded the 2018 Human Diversity Award by the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS). This award recognizes unique activities, programs, or approaches (funded or unfunded) that increase the involvement, engagement, and sustainability of underrepresented groups in field science. The award was given for our landmark Scientist in the Schools program, where we bring scientists to Sitka and take them into the classrooms, so students have the opportunity to not only hear about current research being done, but also to do science alongside them. Scientists in the Schools has helped Sitka have the top state scores in science literacy (for similar communities), and is a program that we are particularly proud of. The Organization of Biological Field Stations Diversity award speaks to this program’s efforts to bring a wide range of scientists and scientific disciplines into classes of all schools in Sitka. Sitka’s unique Scientists in the Schools program began years ago with Jan Straley’s vision of connecting students with the scientists of Sitka Whalefest. Since then, the idea has been nurtured by Science Center educators and supported by the University of Alaska, Southeast with grant monies from the United States Department of Agriculture. The Sitka School District and Mount Edgecumbe High School teachers and administrators have opened the doors to this effort by welcoming us with enthusiastic and professional collaborations. Additionally, graduate students and professors from University of Alaska, Southeast (Whale Lab in Sitka) and University of Alaska, Fairbanks (BLaST program) have contributed extensively with dedication of time, expertise, and technical materials above and beyond what might be expected in an outreach effort. We are so grateful to our partners and are honored to have the quality result of these collaborative efforts recognized by the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

New Winter Hours

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 22:43:18 +0000

The Ahlgren Aquarium is under new winter hours. Open times are Wednesdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm. On Tuesdays we have started offering "Lunch at the Aquarium" at 11:45am, where attendees can watch a tank feeding and have a chance to feed our sea urchins. If these hours don't work for you, call ahead to schedule an appointment to visit the aquarium (24 hours notice required). Admission is $5 for all events, or included with your membership.

Ecosystem Carving Dedication

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 22:51:56 +0000

Through funding from the National Endowment of the Arts, Tlingit Master Carver Tommy Joseph is carving a 360 degree ecosystem sculpture, depicting life on the Sitka Sound. This sculpture will be installed at the Science Center, across from the sea walk, and will be dedicated on December 15, 2018, at 10:00am. All are invited to attend this ceremony.

New Aquarium Programs

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:08:27 +0000

This winter, we will be trying out some new programs in the aquarium, including a once-a-month Octopus Encounter. Stay tuned for more details and dates of events.

The Mill Building Project

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 23:19:21 +0000

Summer Camp Registration Coming Soon

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:38:09 +0000

The countdown to summer camp registration has begun! On Monday, February 4th we will open camp registration online on our website and in-person at the Science Center. Stay tuned for more information about this years camps and the reveal of the 2019 camp theme!

We Need You!

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:47:58 +0000

After some unforeseen setbacks, we are about to commence the renovation of the Mill Building. But, we still need YOU! We are about $13,000 away from our Go Fund Me capital campaign. If you would like to contribute to the renovation of this historic building and the help support the Science Center and all our programs, please click here.

Behind the Scenes

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 23:57:36 +0000

The Sitka Sound Science Center hosts a program called “Behind the Scenes”, where features of the marine environment and the workings of the Science Center are explored in short evening sessions. This program is free to life-long learners and those adults in our community who have always wondered what happens at the Science Center! Select Wednesday’s from 5:30 – 7:00 PM. Light refreshments provided! Introducing the Winter Series of 2019: Feb 6 – Astronomy March 13 – Evolution of Whales April 10 – Artistry of Algae Stay tuned for more information about our 3rd annual salmon release party happening this May! First Behind the Scenes of the Year – Astronomy! When: February 6th, 5:30 – 7 PM Where: Sitka Sound Science Center What: Come learn about the night sky with local experts and enthusiasts! • Go inside StarLab, a portable planetarium, to get a closer look at our solar system. Clear skies guaranteed! • Learn how to use a telescope and practice identifying and locating planets!

Now Hiring

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 17:54:58 +0000

SSSC is currently recruiting for one seasonal, full-time (35 hours/week) Summer Interpreter Lead. For more information, and how to apply, please click here. Job posting closes on February 15, 2019. Please note: We will be recruiting for part-time summer interpreters starting February 16, 2019.

Octopus Encounter

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 18:05:37 +0000

SSSC is proud to announce our new Octopus Encounter. Participants will learn all about octopuses. from their life history to intelligence. We will talk about the unique challenges with keeping an octopus in an aquarium, and what types of enrichment and conditioning are commonly done. Over the course of this monthly series this spring, we will look at various enrichment and how our animals respond to these activities. When: January 19, 2019 at 1:00pm. Octopus Encounter is included with the $5 admission charge (free for members). Please note, at this time, this is not a hands-on encounter. For questions, please contact Sandy at (907) 747-8878 ext. 16.

SSSC Grounds "Face-lift"

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 21:00:17 +0000

After a bit of a delay, work began to fill in the old boat ramp behind the Sage Building. This ramp is a relic from the Sheldon Jackson days, but is no longer in use and, in fact, presents a bit of a hazard. The decision was made to fill it in and level the area, which will increase the available space for the hatchery round ponds. This ultimately ties into the Mill Building renovation, in an attempt to move the ponds away from the construction area.

Eco-Detectives

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 19:42:49 +0000

Join SSSC for the first Eco-Detectives of the spring, The Case of the Shrimp Snatcher. Follow the clues to help us figure out why our shrimp keep disappearing. This free program is designed for school aged kids, but all are welcome. When: February 1, 2019, from 10:00am to 12:00pm

Become a Jr. Naturalist!

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 19:14:44 +0000

Come down to the Science Center to participate in our re-vamped Jr. Naturalist program. This activity is designed for school aged kids to complete in about an hour (younger kids may take longer and need more parental help). Participants will dive deeper into five different subjects and have to complete tasks for each one. Once they are all done, they will receive a Jr. Naturalist badge! This activity is free with your admission to the Science Center. For questions or more information, call Sandy at 747-8878 ext. 16 or ext. 1.

Behind the Scenes

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 19:18:56 +0000

Join SSSC on Wednesday, February 6, for our Behind the Scenes program for adults, where we will take a deeper look into Astronomy. Participants will learn how to use a telescope and identify planets in the night sky. We will also have StarLab, a portable planetarium, set up, so clear skies are guaranteed! This event starts at 5:30pm, and is free. Light refreshments will be provided.

Natural History Seminar Series

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 19:25:38 +0000

Join SSSC, the University of Alaska Southeast, and the National Park Service for the Natural History Seminar on "Finding and Firing: Prospecting for Ceramic Art". Local artist Matt Fiske will talk about the way he blends pottery making, science, and nature. When: Thursday, February 7, 2019, at 7:30pm. Where: UAS Sitka Campus, Room 229

Summer Camp Registration is Open

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 19:51:35 +0000

Registration for the 2019 Summer Camps is now open. This year, the theme of the camps in energy. To sign up, please click here. Don't forget, SSSC Salmon members are eligible for a discount on each camp registration. Not a member? You can become one here, or come by the Science Center.

Family Paint & Snack

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 19:12:45 +0000

In partnership with Happy Hour Art by Sarah Dart, we will be hosting a family Paint & Snack event at the Science Center on Saturday, March 2, at 11:00am. Parents and their artists will paint together, creating a fun ocean-themed painting. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Cost is $35 for one adult and child, and $15 for each additional child. You can sign up by clicking here.

Discovery Days - Active April at the Park!

sssc — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 20:30:33 +0000

Celebrate Active April! Join the Sitka Sound Science Center in a Discovery Days at the Sitka National Historical Park. Ryan Carpenter will lead an exploration of spring birds in the Park. Meet at the Visitor Center and expect a walk on Park trails suitable for families of all ages.

Octopus Encounter

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:53:29 +0000

Join us on Saturday, February 16 at 1:00pm for our next Octopus Encounter. Come learn about octopus enrichment activities and why aquariums do these activities. We will start our two octopuses with different food puzzles, and see how they respond. Octopus Encounter is included with your $5 admission. Please note this is not a hands-on encounter. For questions, please contact Sandy at 747-8878 ext. 16.

Jr. Naturalist Program

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 22:55:34 +0000

Natural History Seminar Series

smcclung@sitkascience.org — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 18:23:23 +0000

Join SSSC, UAS, and the National Park Service Thursday, 2/21 at 7:30pm for the next Natural History Seminar series talk, titled "A Year in the Life of a Bear". Phil Mooney (retired Fish and Game) will speak about how the annual cycle of brown bears differs depending on the age, sex, and status. This free talk takes place on the UAS Sitka campus, in room 229.