Friday Harbor, WA – Attention, Naturalists! It’s time to celebrate and “gear down” from another beautiful summer. The Whale Museum is hosting a Marine Naturalist Gear-Down workshop on Friday November 6, 2009 at the Grange Hall in Friday Harbor from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This one-day workshop is offered as continuing educational training for naturalists. Special guest speaker Jeanne Hyde will be on hand to tell the story of the naming of J45 by the Samish Nation. Other presenters and topics will be announced soon. The day will close with a meeting of the Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists. The workshop is intended for marine naturalists, graduates of The Whale Museum’s Marine Naturalist Training Program or equivalent, and members of SSAMN. If you are interested in attending, please call The Whale Museum (360) 378-4710 ext. 23 to confirm your participation or download a registration form from www.whalemuseum.org. Advanced registration is recommended and there is a $25 fee for attending. Registration will also be available at the door.

Founded in 1979, The Whale Museum’s mission is to promote stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research. In addition to providing exhibits, the Museum also provides programs including: the Orca Adoption Program, Soundwatch Boater Education, Marine Naturalist Training, San Juan Islands Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and the Whale Hotline. The Whale Museum can be found on-line at www.whalemuseum.org.