Sea Star Wasting Disease Monitoring Training Workshop

Join Vashon Nature Center for our Sea Star Wasting Disease Monitoring Training Workshop! Learn about the methods of monitoring  intertidal zones for sea star wasting disease. During the workshop, participants will learn and use protocols from the Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Network and how to identify different different ages and species of sea stars. We will also go over the stages of the disease and progression and shoreline monitoring methods. This will include how to properly use equipment, complete data sheets, and how to submit the data to a public-access database. We hope that volunteers trained during this workshop can assist VNC staff in educating marine science students from VHS. Learn more our Scientists in School program here. 

This training workshop is open to all, in hopes that participants will be able to volunteer in the future. No prior knowledge is required although children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. We will be walking on the beach and participants should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain. 

Location: North-end ferry dock 

Cost: Free with commitment to volunteer on 4/20/26 from 11am-3pm or suggested donation of $25

Experience needed: none, children must be 10+ and accompanied by an adult 

What to bring: weather appropriate attire 

Vashon Nature Center’s mission is to create transformative nature experiences through community science, research, and education for the benefit of our island home and the entire Salish Sea ecosystem.Vashon Nature Center is a federally registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN: 82-5064648).