perfect for both beginning and advanced divers. Highlights include clear, shallow waters
By Anonymous Falmouth, MA July 1, 2004 -- Through research and education, Washburn Island (http://www.capenews.net/pages/24#a11) interpreters hope to promote understanding of coastal ecosystems this summer.
People of all ages are invited to the island on Saturday mornings for guided explorations of Washburn’s 330 uninhabited acres.
The island in Waquoit Bay in Falmouth and Mashpee MA has a barrier beach, salt marsh, and pine and oak forest. The weekly walks, which begin Saturday, July 10, will focus on exploration of different parts of the state-owned island, focusing on studying plants, regeneration, and erosion.
Several college students will be working at the island this summer. Three of them will lead the walks every Saturday.
Shawn Goulet is a junior at the University of Connecticut, majoring in coastal studies. He is from Attleboro and has spent summers in Mashpee.
Originally from Plymouth, Katie Vargas will be a senior at Unity College in Maine this fall. She is majoring in ecology and environmental policy.
Recently graduated from James Madison University in Virginia with a degree in geography, Lindsay Adrean will put her college education to use at Washburn. Lindsay grew up spending summers in Buzzards Bay with her family and living the rest of the year in Holliston. She has worked at the Sea Education Association in Woods Hole and the Los Angeles Maritime Institute in California.
The endangered shorebird manager this summer will be Kate Lynch, who will monitor nesting areas on the island. She was graduated from Mary Washington College with a degree in environmental science. She originally came to Cape Cod through AmeriCorps.
Managed by the state Department of Conservation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the island is part of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, one of 18 estuary sites that make up the national reserve.
The state purchased Washburn Island in 1982.
An estuarine area is where saltwater from the sea mixes with freshwater from land—making up much of the American coastline. Estuaries are considered one of the most biologically reproductive sys-tems on the planet.
The goals of NOAA’s program at Washburn are to manage the land, protect the ecosystems, and conduct research field studies there. The guided tours are part of a national effort to better educate the public about estuaries.
Other activities available on the island include swimming, fishing, camping, and bird watching.
The Washburn Island ferry departs promptly from the WBNERR visitor center at 9:30 AM for the 10 AM walks; participants are asked to arrive by 9:15. The center is off Route 28 in Waquoit.
Space is limited aboard the ferry, so the island authorities encourage all prospective hikers to reserve a spot in advance at the visitor center.
by Julia Morse
More information is available at 508-457-0495, extension 333 or info@capenews.net. www.capenews.net
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