Environmental Groups and Agencies
The natural beauty in and around Port Townsend is, often times, nothing less than stunning. With the Olympic Mountains shaping the southwest edge of the Quimper Peninsula, that backdrop is the city's guardian from the rains, while the city faces Admiralty Strait and Port Townsend Bay. Across the straits is Whidbey Island and beyond is the Cascade Range, with Mount Baker dominating the northeastern horizon.
In a larger context we are within Cascadia, a unique area covering lower British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. A large part of the effort of retaining this beauty rely on people, organizations and other sources which inform us about our local environment, some of which are listed below. Being in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains does limit our drinking water supply and we encourage all visitors (and residents) to be mindful of the need for conservation of this limited resource and our desire to remain a sustainable community.
There are also government resources available.
| Transportation |
| See: Transportation/Getting Around section |
| Land |
| The Farmers Market - Farm fresh organic produce, plants and flowers, plus locally made arts and crafts. Seasonally May-November. |
| Green Homes U.S.A. - Volunteer group focused on uniting local talent for the design of homes that balances ecological integrity and economic viability. Our mission is to promote, educate and raise awareness in the development of sustainable and affordable housing in the local area. Contact them: 360-385-0474. |
| Jefferson
Land Trust - Keeping open space available to our children. P.O. Box 1610 Port Townsend 360-379-9501 |
| Natural
History Exhibit - Highlighting the zone where the land
meets the sea, this exhibit is a visual banquet of colors, textures
and images. Natural History exhibit is open every Thursday through
Sunday (year round) from Noon till 4 PM with public interpretive programs
at 2:30 PM daily.
Port Townsend Marine
Science Center |
| Northwest
Earth Institute (NWEI) - Quimper Peninsula Affiliate "Motivating individuals to examine and transform personal values and habits, to accept responsibility for the earth, and to act on that commitment." NWEI discussion circles bring people together to examine their relationship with nature and to learn how to adopt more earth-friendly lifestyles. Each meeting involves thought-provoking readings and a lively exchange of ideas on how our habits and attitudes affect the environment and what each of us can do to make a difference. Contact: Helen Kolff at helenk@olympus.net or 360-379-4858 Judith Alexander at lightenup@cablespeed.com or 360-385-5766 |
| The
Olympic Environmental Council - North Olympic Peninsula
Conservation matters and links to many other environmental sites. Contact Darlene Schanfald Email |
| The Olympic
Park Institute - Non-profit educational organization
showing environmental stewardship through education. 111 Barnes Point Road Port Angeles, WA 98363 Phone: (360) 928-3720; Fax: (360) 928-3046; Email |
| Port Townsend Mycological Society - Mushrooming
enthusiasts. P.O. Box 33 Chimacum, WA |
| Protect
the Peninsula's Future - Dedicated to the wise land use
of the North Olympic Peninsula and enhancing the quality of life for
present and future citizens of the North Olympic Peninsula. P.O. Box 1677 Sequim Contact Steve Koehler Email |
| Olympic
Forest Coalition - The Olympic Forest Coalition promotes
the protection, conservation and restoration of natural forest ecosystems
and their processes on the Olympic National Forest. P.O. Box 1813 Port Townsend Contact info or 360-385-6271 |
| Water |
| Adventuress - Protecting Puget Sound Through Education since 1989 aboard the historic Schooner Adventuress |
| The Dungeness River Management Team - Partnership of individuals and stakeholders in the Dungeness River Watershed. |
| The Dungeness River Natural History Center - To enjoy and understand the unique natural character of the Olympic Peninsula. |
| The Port Townsend
Marine Science Center - Celebrating 25 years of coastal
education and conservation in 2007, the Port Townsend Marine Science
Center is devoted to understanding, preserving and teaching about
our marine and shoreline environment as guardians for a sustainable
future. 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 are open Wednesday
through Monday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults,
$3 for youth and free to PTMSC members. The PTMSC also offers a wide
variety of educational programs and special events. 532 Battery Way Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend Phone 360-385-5582; Email |
| Animal |
| Admiralty
Audubon - East Jefferson County P.O. Box 666 Port Townsend Contact Ron Sikes - 385-0307 |
| All
My Relations - Tax deductible non-profit organization
which promotes inter-species connectedness through musical, educational,
spiritual and advocacy programs. P.O. Box 1370 Port Townsend 360-344-4267 |
| The
Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society - Chapter of the National
Audubon Society. P.O. Box 502 Sequim |
| North Olympic
Salmon Coalition - Non-profit community based salmon
recovery organization which provides funding, guidance, technical
assistance and ongoing support for salmon habitat restoration and
enhancement. P.O. Box 699 Port Townsend 360-379-8051 |
| Education Government Environment | Health/Medical Churches Media | Relocation Volunteering Sports/Rec | Youth Community Groups Museums |
