Earth Day 2011

As a fellow contestant during the Vote Skansie Netshed campaign in 2010, the 133-ft sailing ship Adventuress does extraordinary work around the Puget Sound promoting the benefits of preserving our environment and the 1913 vessel.  Our shared commitment to maritime history prompted their decision to sponsor Earth Day here in Gig Harbor on April 22, 2011.  To date, we have continued to host the vessel at Jerisich dock each year.  The vessel is owned and operated by the non-profit organization Sound Experience and is well-known through the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands.  

• Skansie Netshed hosted Harbor WildWatch and their touch-tanks of "Ocean Soup" and "Critters".  Pierce Conservation District featured hands-on "Fish Painting".
• The Gig Harbor BoatShop at Eddon Boat offered Friday Tours and "Morning Coffee".
• The Harbor History Museum provided special programming for the day.  

All participating landmark facilities promoted the benefits of environmental and historic preservation to Restore – Renew and Reuse.  

Downtown Merchants promoted the day with the environment in mind.  JAX Hair Salon offered stainless steel water bottles (to reduce the use of plastic) and Java & Clay Cafe promoted going paperless with reusable mugs for coffee or "make-your-own" in their family-friendly pottery painting studio located across the street from Skansie Netshed.

An innovative new service was introduced to visitors with the appearance of an Information Podium or "Concierge" post near the entrance to Jerisich Dock.  Local community advocates (Tom Drohan of Destiny Harbor Tours pictured below) were on hand to meet-and-greet visitors and provide input on the day's activities, dining and shopping, local hot-spots and lodging information.  This casual welcome set the tone for the day and the spirit of our community. 

 

Guests become "crew" to hoist-up the sails of the 133-ft schooner.  They include Betsy Davis Executive Director of the Center for Wooden Boat, Peter Stanley owner of the Tides Tavern, and Barbara Ann Smolko of Pierce County's KGI Watershed Council. 

 

Congressman Norm Dicks and the Skipper of the Adventuress sail just outside the Harbor on a glorious day of gentle winds and clear skies.

 

Mayor Chuck Hunter takes the wheel.

 

On land, Harbor WildWatch sets up touch-tanks in the historic Skansie Netshed.

 

Skansie Netshed welcomes visitors promoting preservation of cultural resources and the environment.

 

Adventuress crew serenades the day's guests.

 

Guy Hoppen of Gig Harbor BoatShop, Dianne and Mayor Hunter, Artist Gary Jackson and wife Gig Harbor Life writer Charlee Glock-Jackson and City Marketing Director Laureen Lund take photos after enjoying hot coffee and homemade cookies from the galley of the Adventuress.

 

Catherine Collins Executive Director of non-profit Sound Experience awards Congressman Dicks his honorary "crew" shirt.