Molt Search Training (Thurston County)

Past Molt Search training in action (credit: Jess Newley)

Are you a beachwalker? A shell collector? Keep an eye out for invasive green crabs while you do by participating in “Molt Search“, a new early detection community science program by Washington Sea Grant & WSU Extension designed to help managers direct resources to undersearched or green crab detected beaches. It’s a systematic beach walk, where you spend 20 person-minutes collecting and identifying all crab molts you find and submit that information via the MyCoast app.

You’ll leave this in-person event knowing more about European green crab in the region, crab ID, and Molt Search protocols. You can also expect to learn about Henderson Inlet and the work this local organization is doing to protect it and have an opportunity to connect with others interested in protecting local waterways.

Where: On a beach of Johnson Point (north of Lacey). RSVP for exact meeting location.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, sun protection, water, snacks, smartphone or camera, small container for collecting molts (like a tupperware)

Sign me up! Please register by contacting Ron Smith, President of Protect Henderson Inlet: ProtectHendersonInlet@gmail.com

Keep in touch: To keep up-to-date on future Molt Search volunteer opportunities and program updates, sign up for the “Molt-o-Meter” newsletter.