The Port Townsend Marine Science Center, in collaboration with Puget Sound Express, sponsors an early winter bird migration cruise to Protection Island at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. The three-hour trip leaves from Port Townsend’s Point Hudson Marina on an enclosed motor-yacht. On-board refreshments are available.

 

Protection Island is a National Wildlife Refuge located at the mouth of Discovery Bay.

 

Tickets are $55 per person ($50 for members of the PTMSC, Burke Museum, Audubon or the Washington Ornithological Society). Proceeds help fund PTMSC programs.

 

For reservations, call the PTMSC at 360-385-5582 or 800-566-3932. E-mail cruises@ptmsc.org for additional information.

 

“Our New Year’s Eve cruise is an annual tradition for many people, giving everyone a chance to see lots of birds and wildlife. Since we have naturalists from the PTMSC on board, they’re familiar with the island, its local bird population and marine mammals, providing excellent commentary,” said Anne Murphy, executive director for the PTMSC. “It’s a fun trip for all ages.”

 

Located on the beach at Fort Worden State Park, the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit features large touch pools and aquaria and the Natural History Exhibit highlights the rich zone where land meets sea.

 

Both exhibits will be open Dec. 26-28, noon-4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth and free to PTMSC members. Both exhibits will be closed in January. The PTMSC also offers a wide variety of educational programs and special events. For more information, call 360-385-5582, e-mail info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.