Phase 1 of the marine display at Coupeville Wharf is finished, but the project still needs donations in order to complete phase II.
The display is being updated by Island County Beach Watchers, soon to be Sound Water Stewards of Island County.
The group is separating from WSU and forming its own nonprofit Jan. 1.
Each marine mammal skeleton that hangs from the ceiling of the wharf is now matched with a huge image of the animal “in the flesh,” said program coordinator Barbara Bennett.
Images are by artist Uko Gorter and were hung earlier this month. That along with a new poster at the wharf kiosk on Front Street will complete Phase I.
Each skeleton is from a deceased marine mammal found on the shores of Island County and prepared for display by teams of professionals and local volunteers.
Bennett, who is a Washington State University employee, said she will continue on with the new South Water Stewards after Dec. 31 either as a part-time employee or volunteer.
“My commitment is to see this project through,” she said. “If we meet our (fundraising) goal by the end of the year, we will start fabricating in January with a goal of finishing by Musselfest weekend.”
The second phase of the project includes an interactive display featuring the theme, “What makes Penn Cove special?” and “How can we keep Penn Cove special?”
The project includes removal of a partial wall inside the wharf.
The project, which has hit around $30,000, got a boost in funds last week with a grant from the Coupeville Festival Association.
It may get further donations from the Town of Coupeville.
Town Council directed Mayor Nancy Conard last week during a workshop to present a proposal to council about donating $4,500 from tourism funds for the project. Conard said she expects to bring that to council at her last council meeting Dec. 22.
Even with those donations, the project is still several thousand dollars short of its goal.
To make a donation to the project, send donations to LEP/Sound Water Stewards of Island County, PO Box 1620, Freeland, WA 98249.
