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FofF
  • Home
  • About
    • About FoFF
    • About the Park
    • Park Staff Bios
  • Ways to help
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
  • Resources
    • 2025 Events
    • Rat Island Docent Program
    • Newsletter Archive
    • Program Archive
  • Contact Us
Petition Photos Courtesy of Barry McKenzie

YOUR VOICE MATTERS

Rat Island off of Fort Flagler State Park is a hidden gem right in our backyard, serving as a crucial habitat for many protected, threatened, and endangered animals. Unfortunately, these vital spaces are rapidly disappearing, making it essential for us to take action if we want to safeguard these species. 

Thank you!

SIGN THE PETITION TO SAVE RAT ISLAND

Avian Flu Warning!

Keep your dogs on leash and away from the shoreline!  We are experiencing an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, has the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) closing public access to Rat Island near Fort Flagler State Park. Dozens of Caspian terns have died in the area and there are more that appear sick. Samples from bird carcasses were collected and have tested positive.  

PROTECT RAT ISLAND

We invite you to join us in protecting this special place by signing the petition (link above) for its permanent protection. Every signature counts! 


By adding your name, you’re not only supporting the cause but also amplifying our efforts with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The more Jefferson County residents who sign, the stronger our collective voice will be.

 

Reach out to Deisy Bach at fortflaglerfriends@gmail.com with any questions or requests for further information. 

WELCOME TO THE 2025 Docent Program

Preserving the Delicate Habitat of Rat Island and Its Wildlife, Join Our Docent Program in 2025

We invite you to be a part of our ongoing efforts to protect the delicate habitat and diverse wildlife on Rat Island by joining our Docent Program in 2025. 


Building on the success of our inaugural program in 2023, which was conducted in collaboration with WDFW and our State Park, we are excited to expand our team of dedicated docents. Last year, we saw the participation of 25 enthusiastic individuals, and we are eager to welcome more passionate volunteers this year.


Based on valuable feedback from our docents, we have made enhancements to the program. This year, the program will run from Memorial weekend through August, coinciding with extreme negative low tides that allow access to Rat Island by foot. Docents will be engaged in 4-hour shifts, providing an opportunity to stand, sit, and walk the spit while educating visitors and observing the island's unique wildlife.


Our Caspian Terns, in particular, depend on the crucial role of docents in their survival. With the Avian Flu devastating approximately 80% of the Salish Sea population in 2023, protecting their habitat has become more vital than ever. Rat Island offers one of the few remaining sanctuaries for these birds to breed without human intervention. Your involvement as a docent is instrumental in ensuring the continued existence of this vulnerable species.


To prepare you for this meaningful role, we offer comprehensive training conducted by a diverse group of professionals. This training equips you with the necessary information and tools to be an effective and knowledgeable docent, contributing significantly to the conservation of Rat Island and its wildlife.

2025 RAT ISLAND DOCENT PROGRAM TRAINING

H1N1 Manuscript

March 25th, 2025

This manuscript on the H5N1 outbreak in terns, gulls, and harbor seals on Rat Island has been published by Frontier Vetrinary Science!


Read the Article PDF below.

A comprehensive epidemiological approach documenting an outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus clade 2.3.4.4b among gulls, terns, and harbor seals in the Northeastern Pacific 

Haman_etal_2024_H5N1terns_gulls_seals (pdf)Download

2024 Rat Island Docent Program Training

May 2nd,  2024

Rat Island: The Avian Flu and it affects the Caspian Terns


Presenters: Scott Pearson & Tom Good

Scott and Tom discussed the ecology, life history, and challenges facing Caspian terns and other bird species in the Puget Sound region, as well as the impact of avian influenza on various bird populations. They emphasized the importance of preserving Rat Island as a natural habitat for animals and the role of citizen science projects in monitoring dead bird populations.

2024 Rat Island Docent Program Training

May 1st,  2024

Harbor Seals and Avian Flu Protocols 


Presenter: Casey Mclean,

Executive Director and Veterinary Nurse, SR3.org


Exploring the challenges and realities facing harbor seal pups and their mothers, the annual molting process of adult seals, and the need for observing and reporting any signs of injury or illness in wild seals. 

2024 Rat Island Docent Program Training

April 26th,  2024

Interpretive and State Park Training


Presenter: Kelsey Lang

Kelsey Lang, an interpretive specialist at Fort Flagler State Park, conducted a training session for Washington Fish and Wildlife volunteers on the importance of interpretation in connecting visitors with park resources and enhancing their recreational and educational experiences. 


For any inquiries or to express your interest in this program,  feel free to reach out to us via email.

2024 Rat Island Docent Program Training

April 15th,  2024

Learn all about harvesting clams on the beach at Fort Flagler 


Presenter: Mike Zimmerman 

.

For any inquiries or to express your interest in this program,  feel free to reach out to us via email.

2024 Rat Island Docent Program Training

March 20th, 2024

Review General Docent Training Video 

Presenter: Deisy Bach, our Natural History Chair  on 

.

For any inquiries or to express your interest in this program,  feel free to reach out to us via email.

OUR PARTNERS

FOFF Working to protect Rat Island with Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Friends of Fort Flagler has been working with  Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to provide some protection to Rat Island during the Caspian Tern nesting and Harbor Seal pupping season which occurs during July and August. 

The Goal of our Docent Program for Rat Island

The goal is to have docents posted at the end of the Fort Flagler spit, across from Rat Island during extremely low tides. There will be signage discouraging folks from walking or kayaking on the island. The docents will take the opportunity to answer questions and talk about the value of protecting the habitat and wildlife, and how our presence may disturb the chicks and pups.

FACT SHEETS

Volunteer Registration and Agreement_Fillable (pdf)Download
Volunteer Time Record_Fillable (pdf)Download
1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Explained _ Audubon (pdf)Download
banded bird reporting (pdf)Download
Marine Mammal Protection Act fact_sheet_oceana (pdf)Download
Facts-Harbor Seals (pdf)Download
Tagged Seals-Identification-Reporting (pdf)Download
Facts-Caspian Terns (pdf)Download
Clam Id Chart 332-087 (pdf)Download
Protecting Eelgrass Habitat _ Shore Stewards _ Washington State University (pdf)Download
Crab identification and soft-shell crab _ Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (pdf)Download

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