By Marilyn Kays
I have visited Des Moines Beach Park during low tides many times over the years, so the exposed beach itself was not new to me. What made this visit different was the presence of volunteer naturalists from the Seattle Aquarium who helped visitors discover what was living in the tide pools.
I learned about the event through our Wesley Homes Channel 370 program hosted by Victoria Andrews and Eddy Duggar. Their segment highlighted the upcoming low tides and the Seattle Aquarium volunteers who would be available to help visitors explore the shoreline. I’m glad I took their suggestion because it turned a familiar visit to the beach into a chance to see things I would have otherwise missed.
A Moon Snail Nursery
This gray ring contains thousands of developing baby moon snails. Before the naturalist pointed it out, I would have walked right past it.
One of my favorite discoveries was learning about the moon snail. A volunteer naturalist showed us a gray, sand-covered egg collar created by a female moon snail. What looked like an ordinary gray ring in the tide pool was a nursery containing thousands of developing baby snails. Without the explanation, I would never have known what I was looking at.
The volunteers pointed out other small creatures and signs of life hiding among the rocks and seaweed. I came away with a new appreciation for how much is happening along the shoreline that most of us simply walk past. The weather was beautiful, with temperatures in the 70s, and Mount Rainier made a spectacular appearance in the distance. Since the tide was so low, much of the beach was easy to walk on. I use a cane and found it quite manageable, although those who want to get closer to the water might prefer water shoes.
The Seattle Aquarium volunteers visit selected beaches during some of the year’s lowest tides. If this sounds interesting, you may want to watch for future dates and locations, including programs at Des Moines Beach Park and other local beaches. Information about upcoming beach naturalist events can be found on the Seattle Aquarium website.
I’ve walked this beach many times, but this visit helped me see it differently. Sometimes all it takes is a knowledgeable guide to help us notice what has been there all along.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Have an interesting story you’d like to share about Des Moines? If so, please email text and photos (if possible) to scott@southkingmedia.com for consideration.
