"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.
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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.
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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."
We are so passionate about introducing our community to the incredible classroom right outside our doorstep. Our hope is that our programs initiate a desire to protect and restore the Salish Sea. We believe experiential lessons combined with marine conservation education is essential to producing a healthy marine ecosystem. The curriculum rotates throughout the year but will span the marine ecosystem, from water quality to whales.
Adult program tuition supports our student programs, including scholarships.
Puffins Fundraisers
May 17, 2024, June 15, 2024, July 7, 2024, July 28, 2024, August 11, 2024
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Join us aboard a chartered boat as we journey to one of the last remaining breeding islands in the Salish Sea. We hope to find a whole bunch of the other incredible life along the way.
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Optional educational Zoom occurs a few days prior to trip
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Launch out of Skyline Marina in Anacortes
Winter, Spring, and Fall Marine Bird Fundraiser Ecotour
Watching the birds change on the Salish Sea is as magical as watching the leaves change on a tree!
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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!
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Launch out of Skyline Marina in Anacortes
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Plankton Protectors
A fun plankton adventure for you! Come discover the vital role of plankton in the food chain, building your own plankton model, examining samples from the Salish Sea under microscopes, and creation of your very own unique plankton stamps. If the weather cooperates, join us afterwards for a little bonfire and s'mores!
Order a TSSS t-shirt for $25 extra and you can stamp the back of it with plankton stamps!
Collect eDNA samples with Pacific Mammal Research
Embark on a unique and enlightening adventure with the Salish Sea School, as we welcome renowned 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.
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As we navigate the breathtaking seascape, Cindy will share her extensive knowledge and expertise, offering invaluable insights into the world of marine mammal research. Together, we'll explore the fascinating realm of harbor porpoises, their significance within the ecosystem, and the innovative methods researchers employ to study these elusive creatures.
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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. Funds from this trip will support PACMAM.
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, where they can experience the thrill of a boat ride, kayak, and tide pool while learning about the creatures that call this special place home. Many of which have never even touched sand before!
Our commitment to in-depth education and conservation is at the heart of this unique experience. The small group setting ensures personalized attention and opportunities to engage with our experienced and passionate crew, who will share fascinating insights about the Salish Sea's rich ecosystem and its inhabitants while providing you with ways to support and protect these remarkable creatures.
During your excursion, you will explore the pristine waters of the Salish Sea, home to an array of marine life, including whales, porpoise, seals, and seabirds and have an onboard (or on island) private lesson!
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Cypress Island Mindfulness Day Retreat - Rewild and Replenish
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Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Cypress Island and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit with our Cypress Island Day Retreat. Experience the transformative power of mindfulness as you connect with the ancient forests, pristine shorelines, and abundant wildlife that inhabit this undisturbed sanctuary.
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The Cypress Island 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.
Creative Connections
Come learn about and celebrate the Salish Sea through crafts and community. We will learn about some of the charismatic creatures of the Salish Sea and create fun art to celebrate them! Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
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Salish Sea Ornament Making
Celebrate your favorite winter holiday this season by making Salish Sea inspired ornaments! Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
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Orcas of the Salish Sea 101
Take a deep dive with us to learn all about the orcas of the Salish Sea! This is an experiential learning series that will get you on the Salish Sea four times, build a deeper knowledge about the orcas of the Salish Sea, connect you with local organizations studying orcas of the Salish Sea, introduce you to environmental issues affecting local marine life, connect you with a community of other adults passionate about orcas, and provide ideas about the ways you can help!
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Additionally, students will meet local researchers during scheduled Zoom meeting (Dr. Deborah Giles of Wild Orca, whale biologist Monika Wieland Shields of Orca Behavior Institute), and attend an in-person field trip to the Orca Survey Center in Friday Harbor.
We purposefully curate a small, in-person, community learning experience (up to 6 participants per group). There are no virtual enrollment options for this course. All lessons and boat trips will launch from Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington.
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In the event of a weather delay, we will reschedule the trip.
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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.
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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.
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By registering you will have opportunities to connect and network with other naturalists, regional scientists, and support the following four local non-profits.
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Through this adult course we will provide an introductory look at orcas of the Salish Sea with a spotlight on endangered Southern Residents.
This program provides an educational orca presentation and discussion aboard the ferry as we journey to Friday Harbor.
There, we will enjoy a private visit to Center for Whale Research's Education and Outreach Center where we will get to to intimately know Southern Resident orcas through different mediums, as well as understand what it is to be an orca researcher.
We'll also introduce ways you can advocate, and/or things you can to do, to help endangered Southern Resident orcas.
*Please bring lunch, snacks, a water bottle, and anything else you might need!
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Walk-on ferry tickets are included in the price!
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Island Intertidal and Wildflower Hike FUNdraiser​
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. Here you'll explore the vibrant colors and unique adaptations of these incredible ecosystems.
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.
Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the intertidal zone and support marine conservation. Tickets are limited, so reserve your spot today!
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These fundraisers help us provide scholarships and outdoor gear to students in need.
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Adult Rewilding Retreat
This takes place on the gorgeous Rosario Beach, neighbor to Deception Pass State Park.
Our retreat will include a two night three day adventure based at the Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory with a private boat taxi to a local island. The lab includes more than 40 acres of timberland, hills, wetlands, and beachfront on the beautiful Rosario Strait. From our cabins you can view the Straits of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains, Vancouver Island, and the San Juan Islands. The lovely cabins have a full kitchen, private bath, bedroom and a porch for taking in the spectacular views.
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Dinners will be catered. We are asking that you bring your own breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
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Specific cabins will be rented on a first come first served basis. Check out the cabin map here. All cabins are "BYOB - Bring Your Own Bedding." See image above (pic credit: Caleb Riston).