WILDLIFE EDUCATION The South Sound Estuary Association will offer training for people interested in volunteering for this summer’s beach naturalist program.

Training is scheduled to begin April 19, with the first beach programs in early June and running through August.

“Beach naturalists learn a lot about our very special South Puget Sound beaches so they can help beach visitors really see what’s living at the beach,” said Diana Larsen-Mills, the association’s board president. “They will not only point out the amazing diversity of life on the beach, but also about how each of us can protect this unique and very special place.”

The naturalists are stationed at various beaches in the Olympia area during extreme low tides. The parks include Tolmie State Park, Priest Point Park, Frye Cove State Park and Burfoot County Park.

Training dates are April 19 and 26, May 3, 17 and 31.

The first session will run from 6-9 p.m. at The Evergreen State College. The remaining classroom sessions are from 6-9 p.m. at the Boston Harbor fire station, 5046 Boston Harbor Road NE, Olympia.

After completing the training, naturalist volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of five shifts on a beach.

Volunteers also can assist by providing interpretation for partner agencies such as South Sound Green working with schoolchildren, staffing booths at community events or providing support for the association’s Discovery speaker series.

The cost for training is $45 for returning naturalists and $50 for new volunteers.

If you are interested in becoming a trained beach naturalist, contact Leihla Scharlau, program coordinator, at 360-888-0565 or send an email to leihla@sseacenter.org.

Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Learn more about the association and the programs it offers at sseacenter.wordpress. com.