Tour beautiful Commencement Bay aboard the historic Point Ruston Ferry while you learn about UW Tacoma’s environmental research efforts at the Science on the Sound event on Sat., Aug. 25.

Guests can learn about UW Tacoma faculty and students’ environmental research while enjoying brunch and live jazz music provided by the Jason Parker Quartet. The cruise is expected to last about three hours. Proceeds for the event will support student scholarships at UW Tacoma.

Featured speakers include Joel Baker, Environmental Science professor and Port of Tacoma Chair and the Science Director for the Center for Urban Waters, and Jim Gawel, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and an expert in environmental engineering and chemistry.

From ecological restoration to harmful algae blooms in Puget Sound, UW Tacoma Environmental Science students and faculty study a wide variety of local environmental issues. A large percentage of UW Tacoma’s research involves the study of urban waters and wildlife in Commencement Bay and the South Puget Sound, making the university a major player in environmental research and health of the region.

The Point Ruston was originally launched in 1937 as a ferryboat serving the Naval Torpedo Station in Newport, Rhode Island. The ferry was transferred to Washington State in 1975, serving the Steilacoom-Ketron Island-Anderson Island ferry route for several years.

The Science on the Sound tour departs from the Point Ruston Ferry Dock at 5005 Ruston Way at 10 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 25. Guests should arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. Space is limited and advance registration is required by Fri., Aug. 17. Suggested donation is $40 per passenger.

More information is online here or by contacting BrieAnna Jaiteh at (253) 692-4306.