Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory 15510 Rosario Beach Road Anacortes, WA 98221

Since its beginning in 1955 the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory (formerly Walla Walla College Marine Station) has provided a unique setting within which undergraduate and graduate students can immerse themselves in biology, in terms of both academic courses and research. While this mission has not changed, the nature of biology certainly has. Biology used to be approached only on a descriptive level: tidepool creatures were collected, identified, and pickled; plants were keyed, pressed, and mounted; mammals were trapped, skinned, and stuffed; birds were pursued, photographed, and listed. These activities will always be of value to biologists, and are continued. However, quantitative and analytic techniques now play a crucial role in the educational process. These newer techniques, in combination with the classical methods, allow for a more exacting, functionally-based understanding of life.

Eight teaching and research laboratories are located in two buildings by the beach. These buildings also include a library, computer room, staff offices, and boat storage. The marine classrooms and laboratories are provided with natural running seawater. Other campus facilities include a cafeteria/conference hall, wood and machine shops, and an assembly hall. Students and staff in live in 24 cabins and a dormitory. Internet access is available throughout the entire campus. The Station operates two 17-foot Boston Whalers, one 20-foot Boston Whaler, and one 24-foot Boston Whaler. Inflatables and rowboats with outboard motors also are available for collection trips and research projects. SCUBA is available for use by certified students and faculty for academic and research projects.

All of our upper-division and graduate courses have an integrated research component. Students also have the opportunity to conduct independent research in conjunction with one of the faculty. Recent student research projects include the effects of pollution on algal growth, nutrient cycling by echinoderms, colonization by planktonic larvae, and genetic diversity in marine invertebrates. Faculty research has focused on a variety of marine and non-marine subjects, including physiology of sea anemones and sponges, factors controlling growth and osmoregulation in algae, social and behavioral ecology of seabirds, effects of climate change on echinoderms, and the biochemistry of hibernation in small mammals.

Students enrolled in the summer program study biological principles and participate in problem-solving experiences in a marine environment. Though specific courses vary from summer to summer, we frequently offer upper-division and graduate marine courses such as Marine Ecology, Marine Phycology, Marine Comparative Physiology, and Behavior of Marine Organisms. Other popular upper-division and graduate courses include Ornithology, Entomology, Systematic Botany, Human Anatomy, and Molecular Biology. An entire sequence of freshman-level General Biology isoffered each summer.

Jim Nestler, Director, Professor of Biology David Cowles, Professor of Biology Scott H. Ligman, Professor of Biology Joseph G. Galusha, Professor of Biology David Lindsey, Professor of Biology Joan Redd, Professor of Biology

The Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory is located next to Deception Pass State Park in the northwest corner of Washington State. Property includes more than 40 acres of timberland, hills, wetlands, and beachfront on the beautiful Rosario Strait. Nearby marine habitats include tidepools, rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, mudflats, and deep water. Other ecosystems are within easy reach, including temperate rainforest, coastlines, high mountains,rivers, and estuaries.

Jim Nestler Department of Biological Sciences Walla Walla University 204 South College Avenue College Place WA 99324 jim.nestler@wallawalla.edu 509-527-2551