If you have ever wondered about marine life in your own front yard, here is your chance to participate in field studies, learn, and be awe-struck.

Join local scientists and community volunteers at Eastsound Waterfront Park as they conduct surveys of fish and intertidal animals on low tide days during the spring and summer. Learn about the unique marine life of our home waterfront.

Field research days for 2010 kick off Thursday and Friday, April 29 and 30. You are invited to participate. Simply show up at Eastsound Waterfront Park around 11:30 a.m. both days.

Then on Sunday, May 2, as part of the Sustainable San Juans Fair on Orcas, Russel Barsh and Madrona Murphy of Kwiáht, the Center for the Historical Ecology of the Salish Sea, will host a fascinating beach walk exploring Indian Island and its environs. Meet at Eastsound Waterfront Park at 1 p.m. It will go until 2:30 p.m.

Wear appropriate footwear for walking to the island (wet sand, gravel, shallow water),and come on down to the beach!

For further information about the Indian Island Marine Health Observatory, check out the WSU Beach Watchers, San Juan County booth at the Orcas Sustainability Fair on the Village Green, Saturday, May 1, or go to www.Indianisland.info