By Marcia Spees
Indian Island is the small island you see in the bay when going through Eastsound. It is accessible via a tombolo (revealed pathway at low tide) in daylight only a handful of days a year.
Here on Orcas a cadre of local people, The Indian Island Marine Health Observatory, is documenting and monitoring the populations of marine life which inhabit the incredibly rich environs of Indian Island.
In addition to documentation, IIMHO stewards share all sorts of information about the island to the 8,000 – 10,000 visitors who yearly walk out to this Bureau of Land Management property.
You are welcome to join in the project at any time and expand your awareness of our marine environment. Research protocols for the low tides July 18-21 with start times are as follows:
Wed., July 18 – 9:30 a.m. (-1.3) – Invertebrate Surveys
Thu., July 19 – 10:30 a.m. (-1.3) – Invertebrate Surveys
Fri., July 20 – 11:00 a.m. (-1.2) – Invertebrate Surveys
Sat., July 21 – 10:00 a.m. (-0.8)– Live tank and information booth at the Orcas Farmer’s Market
The IIMHO team is always looking for new volunteers if you would like to help. The season extends to all low tides through August 2. No experience necessary, just a love of the marine environment and desire. For more information about volunteer opportunities, call Marcia Spees 376-4084.
The low tide window allowing access to the island lasts about two hours. Meet at the tide pools around Indian Island. Wear appropriate footwear (wet sand, gravel, shallow water), and come on down to the beach!
To learn more about the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory, go to www.Indianisland.info.
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