Projecting Future Scenarios for Fidalgo Bay - Modeling Water Circulation and Coastal Changes

Dr. Eric Grossman, Research Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey

“Dr. Grossman will discuss how the US Geological Survey is using powerful 3D computer modeling to examine coastal processes and inform ecosystem restoration and hazard mitigation in the Salish Sea.  How might climate change, sea level rise and land use influence coastal communities, ecosystem restoration outcomes, and Fidalgo Bay? Learn how USGS is constructing a 3D hydrodynamic model of Fidalgo Bay as part of a larger Salish Sea model to study these questions. Citizen science can help USGS and its partners improve these models through research and monitoring – find out how you can get involved as a volunteer!”

Biological Invasions: How Species Become Invasive and Impact Salish Sea Shorelines 

 Presented by Emily Grason, PhD

Natural processes and mechanisms enable living organisms to move into new habitats where they compete with both native species and others already present. The success, impacts, and long-term effects of these introduced populations determine whether or not they become invasive species. Dr. Grason will illustrate these potentially environment-changing processes with real-time examples.

Emily Grason, PhD, studies ecological interactions through the lens of non-native species. She is an aquatic invasions specialist and the Crab Team program coordinator with Washington Sea Grant, College of the Environment, University of Washington. Dr. Grason has worked with local scientists and volunteer citizen scientists in pocket estuaries and salt marshes on detection, monitoring, and control of the European green crab. She holds a master’s degree in biology from Western Washington University and ain biology from the University of Washington.

Presentations are free and open to everyone. Donations—always welcome—support Friends’ ongoing efforts to provide outstanding educational programming for our community. Hope to see you there!