Padilla Bay Foundation

Graduate Research Grant for Estuarine Science

Each year PBF distributes Research Grants to graduate students studying the Padilla Bay estuarine eelgrass meadow. Your gift provides growth opportunities for these scientists early in their marine and estuarine careers and you are contributing to research critical to this wonderful ecosystem. This year PBF Research Grant recipients study the impacts of climate change on larval dispersal of Olympia oysters in the Salish Sea and the ways in which Padilla Bay eelgrass beds function in the process of denitrification (removal of nitrogen from sediment).

Seagrass Monitoring

The PBF Research Grant provides vital support, not readily available elsewhere, to graduate level research scientists as they advance coastal and estuarine science in Padilla Bay and its associated habitats. Over the past 30 years, grant recipients have completed graduate research in and around the varied habitats of Padilla Bay - estuarine, eelgrass, saltmarsh, freshwater, and agricultural lands. Their research, in coordination with Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, builds on baseline data and advancements in the knowledge of Padilla Bay’s ecology and the stressors, or factors affecting resilience and restoration success. Drone for eelgrass aerial surveys

Your donation is critical in reaching our goal of $10,000 for continuation of the PBF Research Grant for Estuarine Science Fund at Padilla Bay Reserve.

PBF Mission

The Padilla Bay Foundation supports Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (PBNERR) programs by engaging our community and attracting members, talented volunteers and staff who are vital in acquiring valuable supplemental resources.

Description

Padilla Bay Foundation plays a critical role in supporting the projects and programs of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (PBNEER) under the management of the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Reserve protects nearly 8,000 acres of eelgrass, one of the largest beds in the contiguous United States. Located in the northern reaches of greater Puget Sound, at the saltwater edge of the large delta of the Skagit River in the Salish Sea, PBNEER is situated within the traditional lands of the Coast Salish people. During a visit to the site, you will experience upland woods and grassland and, as well as, access the incredible tidal mud flats of the bay. A highlight of any visit to Padilla Bay Reserve includes the Breazeale Interpretive Center saltwater aquariums and brand new touch pool, displaying many of the creatures found in the marine habitat of the Salish Sea. Classes on marine topics and hands-on field trips for school students are among the educational offerings at the Reserve. In addition to many education opportunities, the site conducts long-term research, water-quality monitoring, and coastal stewardship of the Salish Sea and its habitats.

Through membership, donations, fundraising events and grants, the Foundation provides funding to supplement the interpretive center, education programs and the field research. Please join in supporting the Padilla Bay Foundation and plan a visit to the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.