Intertidal Program

Between high tide and low tide there is a magical world filled with an incredible diversity of life that we can see only for a few hours every day. From anemones and arthropods to sponges and seastars, the intertidal zone is literally buzzing with life. This two hour intertidal walk follows the Chesterman Beach tombolo (a large sandbar) out to Frank Island, where you will learn about the stresses of being an intertidal organism, and the tactics that intertidal life has developed to withstand those stresses. How do snails and crabs survive hot sun and drenching rain? Are sea stars just the colourful docile creatures they seem, or are they a voracious predator terrorizing mussels and barnacles? Which seaweed contains a natural shock absorber? Which intertidal creature lives its entire life on its head? Who grows teeth on its tongue to eat? All these questions and more will be answered!