Day At The Beach 2026 - Shrimp-ly Amazing!

There is some kind of magic in the discovery of all of the unique life that can only be seen at a negative tide. On May 30th, over 275 people discovered that wonder during the Day at the Beach celebration at Birch Bay State Park.

What does a mermaid, nudibranch, and about 275 people have in common? They all came to Day at the Beach on May 30th at Birch Bay State Park! The 8th Annual Day at the Beach was the largest yet, with nine interactive booths, hundreds of people, pets, lawn games, naturalist-led beach walks, free coffee, and lots of delicious snacks. 

Booth highlights included seeing plankton under a microscope, an up close look at barnacles feeding, lawn games, photos with a mermaid, crab ID, a topographic map of local watershed, trivia, give-aways, and more!

Booth highlights included seeing plankton under a microscope, an up close look at barnacles feeding, lawn games, photos with a mermaid, crab identification, a topographic map of local watersheds, trivia, giveaways, and more! Thank you to staff from BBWARM, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, Friends of Birch Bay State Park, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Northwest Straits Commission, Re-Sources, Salish Sea School, Washington State Parks, WSU Extension, Whatcom Conservation District, Whatcom County Public Works, Whatcom County Library System, Whatcom Marine Resources Committee, and the Whatcom Watershed Information Network for creating an incredible event both below and above the high tide line.

Favorite intertidal creatures seen on beach walks included two species of nudibranchs (including this barnacle eating dorid), six species of crab, chitons, sea urchins, great blue herons, and oysters.

From toddlers to retirees, there was excitement to be had by all, as people explored areas of the beach usually underwater with the trained eyes of beach naturalists. Favorite intertidal creatures seen on beach walks included two species of nudibranchs, six species of crab, chitons, sea urchins, great blue herons, and oysters. A common question throughout the event was, “When can we do this again!?”

Don’t miss the fun, and make sure to join us at some of the other upcoming Birch Bay events: What’s The Point? on June 14th and the July 5th Beach Cleanup!

From toddlers to retirees there was excitement to be had by all! A common question throughout the event was, “When can we do this again!?”