"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.
Community Events
Join us at the following community events happening throughout the year!
Salish Sea Coffee Club
A Salish Sea School fan favorite! Open to anyone over 18 years old, come enjoy a morning of free coffee and donuts while diving into a monthly sea themed topic. From Geology of the Salish Sea, to the story of an often overlooked Sea Snail, Salish Sea School Naturalists and guest local experts will guide you in an exploration of some nerdier sea topics that will leave you hungry to learn more!
Location: The Discovery Center
Time: 10-11AM
What to bring: Please bring your own mug
RSVPS Appreciated
Friends of the ACFL + The Salish Sea School Hike!
Saturday, October 25th for a morning of trees and the sea, where we’ll explore the world of… (drumroll please!) Marbled Murrelets! Discover the connection of old growth forests and the Salish Sea through the eyes of this endangered species. Start your morning with a walk through some of the best remaining Puget Sound lowland old growth forests and hear the story of how these adorable seabirds rely on this special habitat.
Afterwards, head over to Green Point in Washington Park for the opportunity to see these birds in person Learn how TSSS’s Marbled Murrelet Research Program is helping protect this species, and to take part in a citizen science survey
Join us for one or both legs of this two-part program, and spend your Saturday immersed in the world of trees, sea, and marbled murrelets!
Part 1: Old Growth Hike in the ACFL, 10am to 12pmRay Auld Drive
Part 2: Marbled Murrelet Survey, 12:20pm to 1:30pmWashington Park
Dock Detectives - Dock Walk
Join us for an evening walk on the dock to see what creatures are hanging out at our local marina!
Salish Sea School educators will guide the walk as we search the structures for life (life jackets required).
The first hour we will search for and observe creatures at the Skyline Marina docks. As the sun sets, we will also be looking to see if different organisms come out at night!
The last half hour will be an optional microscope observation in the Salish Sea School Discovery Center office.
What will we find?! We never know and that is the BEST part!
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Orca Recovery Day
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Launched in 2018 by Washington Conservation Districts, Orca Recovery Day is designed to be an intentional day of action to advocate for orcas, restore habitat, reduce stormwater pollution and learn more about everyday actions we can take to better the Salish Sea environment.
We will be doing a beach clean up on Cypress Island!
October 18, 2025, 9:30AM-2:30
$20 per person​​​
Skagit Audubon and Salish Sea School Bird Hike!​​​​
Calling all birders and birding curious! Come experience the best birding season in Skagit County (fall and winter!) with The Salish Sea School Naturalists in partnership with Skagit Audubon. Perfect for birders of all experiences and ages, we'll explore the beautiful Guemes Channel Trail in Anacortes while learning birding techniques, bird identifications and the importance of marine and coastal habitats for our winter bird species.
Location: Please meet at Guemes Channel Trailhead 5-10 minutes before 10AM.
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Time: 10-12PM
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What to bring:
- Warm layers appropriate for the weather and sturdy shoes
- Water
- We have binoculars and scopes available for use during the event, but encourage you to bring your own if you have them. Photo by Eric Ellingson.
Salmon Egg Viewing​​​​​
It's official! The Salish Sea School is expecting. . .Salmon Eggs! Follow along on the journey as The Salish Sea School raises local Chinook Salmon eggs in our Discovery Center.
During open Discovery Center hours, drop by to learn about the amazing life cycle of salmon, their incredible role in our ecosystems, and why they are so important for Southern Resident Orcas. Additional activities will include Salmon and Orca coloring sheets, a Salmon Safe Ranger Activity, and fish feeding (when salmon are ready for feedings).
Location: Discovery Center
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Time: During open Discovery Hours - click here
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What to Bring: Yourself, family, and friends!
RSVPS not required
Community Campfire
As the weather gets chilly and dark, it is the perfect time to enjoy a coastal beach fire with The Salish Sea School. With stories of the sea and conservation, a sip of forest tea, and the coziness of community along a wintery seaview, our monthly Community Campfires are the perfect way to embrace the darker months of the PNW, enjoy some time outside, and connect with community.
Location: Greenpoint, Washington Park, Anacortes
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Time: 4:00-5:30PM
What to Bring:
-Warm, weather appropriate layers
-Blankets and camping chairs (optional)
RSVPS Appreciated, but not required
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Weather Cancellation Policy:
This program will occur even in rainy weather. Please check our socials for any weather related cancellations. We will announce any canceled programming no later than the morning of the event
Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk
lluminating Hope: Salish Sea School's Winter Solstice Walk for the Southern Resident Orcas:
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On the longest night of the year, The Salish Sea School invites the community to join us for a beautiful and symbolic Winter Solstice Walk in honor of the endangered Southern Resident Orcas. This unique event will take place on the winter solstice, offering participants of all ages the opportunity to contribute to a collective light display that reflects our shared commitment to the survival of these magnificent creatures.
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As the darkness falls, these luminarias will light our path as we walk together, representing the guiding light of hope and the resilience of the Southern Resident Orcas that call the Salish Sea their home.​ Together, we will embark on a contemplative walk to Green Point, where we will form a stunning arrangement of luminarias along the shore. Against the backdrop of the tranquil waters, the lights will serve as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures that face an uncertain future.
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The Winter Solstice Walk serves as a beacon of hope for the Southern Resident Orcas and an enduring testament to the power of collective action in preserving the wonders of our natural world.
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Join us on the winter solstice as we illuminate the night and, together, shine a light on the future of the Southern Resident Orcas.
This year’s Winter Solstice walk will be held on Sunday, December 21st, 2025. Meet @ 4:15PM, walk to Green Point together at 4:30PM.
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** rain date Monday, December 22nd, 2025 **
Burrows Island Light Station & Trails Restoration Project
We recommend ages 7 and up.
The Salish Sea School is proud to announce a new service partnership with the Northwest Schooner Society as they have embarked on a wonderful vision to restore the historical Burrow’s Island Light Station and clear various walking paths and overgrown areas.
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Our volunteer guides, Dan and Steve, will provide an overview of the restoration project and outline the tasks for the day. Over the course of four hours, we will work together to revive the natural beauty of Burrows Island. ​ The remaining time on the island will include time to explore and relax amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Summer Reading Kick-Off and Orca Month Celebration
Celebrate Orca Month at Washington Park: A Fun-Filled Family Event with Face Painting, Beach Clean-Up, Learning Activities, Adventures, and More! In partnership with the Anacortes Public Library, join us for an unforgettable Orca Month celebration at Washington Park. This exciting event offers something for everyone, bringing together our community to raise awareness and appreciation for the majestic Southern Resident Orcas.
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Highlights of the celebration include:
Face Painting: Kids and adults alike can transform into their favorite marine animals with the help of our talented face painters.
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Beach Clean-Up: Help protect the orcas' habitat by participating in a beach clean-up alongside fellow community members.
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Learning Activities: Explore a variety of educational exhibits and interactive displays showcasing the importance of orcas in the Salish Sea ecosystem.
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Storytime: Delight in orca-themed stories and crafts, inspiring a love for these magnificent animals in young readers.
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Together, let's celebrate Orca Month and promote conservation efforts for the Southern Resident Orcas. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and your community at Washington Park!
Fourth of July Parade!
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Launched in 2018 by Washington Conservation Districts, Orca Recovery Day is designed to be an intentional day of action to advocate for orcas, restore habitat, reduce stormwater pollution and learn more about everyday actions we can take to better the Salish Sea environment.
We will be learning how rivers, neighborhoods, and forests are connected to orcas. We will also be handing out native plants, displaying a salmon dissection, and handing out salmon-shaped cotton candy!
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This is a drop-in family event - please come at any time between 10AM-1PM and celebrate together with your family.
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The event is held at The Salish Sea School's Discovery Center near Skyline Marina. The event is on the first floor of the second red-roofed building.
