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.
Are we missing any worthwhile groups or programs? Tell us through the Feedback Form.
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.
1033 Lawrence St., Port Townsend, WA
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
532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA
Phone 360-385-5582; Fax 360-385-7248;
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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
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or 360-379-4858
Judith Alexander at
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or 360-385-5766
The Olympic Environmental Council - North Olympic Peninsula Conservation matters and links to many other environmental sites.
Contact Darlene Schanfald
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The Olympic Park Institute - Non-profit educational organization showing environmental stewardship through education.
111 Barnes Point Road, Port Angeles, WA
Phone: (360) 928-3720; Fax: (360) 928-3046;
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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, WA
Contact Steve Koehler
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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, WA
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, WA
Phone 360-385-5582;
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Animal
Admiralty Audubon - East Jefferson County
P.O. Box 666, Port Townsend, WA
Contact Ron Sikes - 385-0307
The Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society - Chapter of the National Audubon Society.
P.O. Box 502, Sequim, WA
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, WA
360-379-8051
