DISCOVERIES
BY THE SHORE
Seaside program
offers hands-on
learning as well
as local history
BY M.J. CODY
“It’s moving,” said a young boy, excitedly
peering through a microscope. Several chil-
dren were hunched over microscopes next to
him, while others surrounded a tub of water,
sometimes squealing with delight as they
gingerly handled live marine specimens.
All were on the beach in front of the Sea-
side Aquarium participating in the Seaside
Beach Discovery Program, presented on Sat-
urdays throughout July and August.
Curious beachgoers of all ages are invited
to participate in the free program, sponsored
by the Seaside Aquarium and now in its 26th
year. Displays, historic photos, cool beach
finds, microscopes and a “touch tank” are
ready to be shared. Staff members will also
be on hand at each event to impart informa-
tion about local marine life as well as beach
and dune ecology.
“We try to answer any questions visitors
may have,” Seaside Aquarium general man-
ager Keith Chandler said. Tiffany Boothe,
who has worked with the aquarium for over
20 years, manages the program. Boothe
“works with staff who collect fresh speci-
mens from the surf, dunes and tidal basin
every morning to display or put in the ‘touch
tank’ for anyone to interact with,” Chandler
said.
Besides shells and marine plants, found
creatures that staff gather may include live
sand dollars, mole crabs, live razor clams,
amphipods and bloodworms.
“You can touch the specimens,” Chandler
See Page 9
LEFT: A young girl looks through a microscope
during the Seaside Beach Discovery Program.
BACKGROUND: A delicate, live sand dollar is
held up during the event.
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