"the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -john lubbock
Meet Our Team
The Salish Sea School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team. We welcome the unique contributions that one can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
​
We are stronger together with the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent which ultimately brings about a healthier planet.
​
Click on the pictures below to learn more.
ADULT PROGRAMS
"We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children."
Photo by Terese Drummond
Step into an extraordinary, hands-on learning adventure with our community-focused marine education programs. Our passion for the diverse and fragile Salish Sea ecosystem fuels our commitment to offering enriching experiences that ignite a sense of wonder and stewardship for this remarkable environment.
By participating in our adult programs, you'll delve into a variety of topics essential to marine conservation, such as water quality, biodiversity, and the fascinating lives of whales.
As a vital aspect of our mission, adult program tuition supports our student initiatives, including scholarships that empower the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists. By embarking on this journey with us, you not only deepen your understanding of the Salish Sea but also contribute to fostering a more sustainable future for this precious ecosystem.
Join us in our mission to protect and restore the Salish Sea, one experiential lesson at a time.
.png)
Salish Sea Orcas - A Naturalist Course​
Embark on an immersive learning adventure as we delve into the captivating world of orcas in the Salish Sea. This engaging program offers a blend of educational experiences, including a fun community night, a ferry trip to San Juan Island's Orca Survey Center, four small group boat trips on the Salish Sea, and conversations with local scientists, such as Dr. Deborah Giles of Wild Orca and Holly Fernbach of SR3.
​​
.png)
Orcas, Puffins, Island, & Beyond: A Naturalist Course
​​​
A dynamic naturalist program designed for those passionate about marine life. This immersive experience dives deep into the interconnected world of orcas, old growth, puffins, kelp forests, plankton, and salmon hatcheries.​ Our experiential learning series will take you on four small boat excursions (in search of cetaceans and beyond!), granting you a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse and interconnected marine life within this vibrant ecosystem.
​​​
Winter, Spring, and Fall Marine Bird Fundraiser Ecotour​
Join us aboard a chartered boat as we journey around the Salish Sea to search for the beautiful feathered friends that call the Salish Sea home during the winter, spring, and fall months!
​
Launch out of Skyline Marina in Anacortes
Small Group Wildlife Fundraiser Tours
We are intensely passionate about introducing community members to the incredible classroom right outside our doorstep. We believe experiential lessons combined with marine conservation education is essential to producing a healthy marine ecosystem. Our hope is that our programs initiate a desire to protect and restore the Salish Sea. Your ticket purchase directly helps fund our student programs and scholarship opportunities that bring all kids to the Salish Sea,
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Yellow Island, a gem of the San Juan Islands, renowned for its vibrant wildflower displays. This 11-acre preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy since 1971.
Yellow Island boasts over 50 species of wildflowers, including broad-leafed shooting star, hairy Indian paintbrush, and the native brittle prickly-pear cactus. Yellow Island's rich history reflects the indigenous peoples' land management practices and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect its unique ecosystems. Participate in this educational tour to learn about the island's flora and fauna and contribute to its preservation for future generations to enjoy.
.png)
The Pulse - Virtual
Keep up with The Pulse of the Salish Sea! This virtual course is a continuing education program for environmental educators, marine naturalists, or nature enthusiast from across the world. Designed for professionals and amateurs alike, this program goes beyond the basics and takes deeper dives on ecosystem-wide topics and the latest research.​​
An Evening on James Island
Hike with us around James Island, while we practice mindfulness through nature journaling, plant ID, and place-based learning!
We will spend our evening with a slow exploration of the James Island Loop Trail! Your guide will lead you through the local flora and fauna of the island, while guiding you through nature journaling practices and mindful activities. Our hope is you walk away from James feeling more connected to the Salish Sea and all the life we share it with. End the journey with a gorgeous sunset on the water as we make our way back home.
Eagle Cliff Hike
Experience sweeping views of the San Juan Islands from the top of Cypress Island! Open for only half of the year, Eagle Cliff trail is teeming with life of all kinds. Salish Sea School Naturalists will lead you through this 2.6 mile hike. Taking our time, we'll explore the plant life, animal life, and natural history of this storied place! *Note that though we will be hiking slowly, this trail has 730ft of elevation gain, please reach out with any accessibility concerns in advance of booking!*
Collect eDNA samples with Pacific Mammal Research
Embark on a unique and enlightening adventure with the Salish Sea School, as we welcome scientist Cindy Elliser from Pacific Mammal Research (PacMam) aboard our vessel. This extraordinary opportunity allows you to witness firsthand the collection of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples, crucial for studying the harbor porpoises that inhabit the Salish Sea.
​​​
Don't miss this rare chance to engage with a leading expert in the field and contribute to the vital work of understanding and protecting the captivating marine life that calls the Salish Sea home.
.png)
Island Intertidal and Wildflower Hike FUNdraiser​
Occurs on one of the lowest tides of the year!
Escape to the stunning beauty of the Pacific Northwest and discover the wonders of its wildflowers and intertidal zones as you join us on a journey to James Island. Experience both the wonders of the intertidal zone and spring wildflowers while supporting marine conservation! Join us for an unforgettable day of exploration and learning!
​
Our guides will take you on a journey through the mysteries of the intertidal zone, where you'll discover the amazing creatures that thrive in this unique habitat. So put on your boots and get ready for an adventure that will make a difference. Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot today!​ These fundraisers help us provide scholarships and outdoor gear to students in need.
.png)
Sucia Island Fossils and Tide Pools Fundraiser
​
Spend a day immersed in the natural wonders of beautiful Sucia Island for a -3.7 tide! Join us for a guided exploration of vibrant tide pools, ancient fossils, and striking geological formations.
​
From fossils to sea urchins and fascinating history, this small-group tour of Sucia Island State Park has it all! Located just beyond the Canadian Gulf Islands, Sucia Island is home to a variety of intertidal creatures and tide pools containing 55-million-year-old fossils.
We’ll spend the afternoon on a guided journey along the island's stunning northwest coastline, uncovering its hidden treasures.
.png)
Blue Mind Wellness Retreats offer transformative experiences that promote physical health, nurture mental and emotional well-being, and inspire lifelong conservationists. Through ongoing community adventures, participants connect with others who share their passion for nature and a commitment to shared values.
​
Whether finding calm by the water, serenity in the forest, or freedom in the wilderness, these retreats help reduce stress, boost creativity, and foster peace. Mindful practices are seamlessly integrated, empowering participants to carry these benefits into their daily lives.
​
The retreats invite individuals to slow down, step away from the chaos of modern life, and discover clarity, joy, and healing in the embrace of nature and the support of a like-minded community.
.png)
Women's Rewilding Retreat
“She is a force of nature at her core, all the wildness of the universe.” JMG
The San Juan Islands Women’s Rewilding Retreat is designed for women to celebrate and renew an embodied connection to the natural world with restorative practice and time for nature immersion in solitude and community.
Come alone or bring a friend to experience the wonders of the San Juan Islands with other women who share like values. Rewilding will include a two-night three-day adventure based at the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory facility with a private taxi to a local island.
From the cabins you can view the Straits of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains, Vancouver Island, and the San Juan Islands. The cabins have a full kitchen, private bath, bedroom, and a porch for taking in the spectacular views.
This rewilding nature immersion will include the option to do art or journal on picnic table at the beach or hike the gorgeous trails with a guide or on your own.
.png)
Women's Blue Mind Rewilding Day Retreat
​
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of a local Island and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Experience the transformative power of mindfulness as you connect with the ancient forests, pristine shorelines, and abundant wildlife that inhabit this undisturbed sanctuary.​​​​​ This Renewal & Rewilding Day Retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the transformative power of mindfulness in nature. Join us on this unforgettable journey to reconnect with your inner wisdom and find balance amidst the beauty of the Salish Sea.
​
This retreat will be held on an uninhabited island surrounded by the wonder of the Salish Sea with transportation to and from the island included in the cost.
​
Guides:
Cathy Norman - Cathy is passionate about the restorative and research based benefits available through mindfulness in nature including a focus on embodied awareness and kinship with the natural world. She has been guiding contemplative retreats and events for women, students and families for over 25 years. She completed Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction training, is a RYT (200) Integral Yoga instructor, and has had training as a Naturalist and with the Animas Institute (Nature and the Human Soul).
Hannah Martin - Hannah Martin is a naturalist and mental health therapist specializing in Somatic Internal Family Systems (IFS). Based in Ballard, Seattle, she finds joy in swimming in the Salish Sea, writing and reading in tea shops, and laughing at her French Bulldog, Karl.
Hannah is deeply passionate about the healing power of nature, particularly the restorative gifts of water. Her work focuses on the interplay between mental health, creativity, and the natural world, emphasizing how nature can enhance emotional well-being and creative expression.