"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.
Where Community Meets the Sea
Our weekly FREE community programs are all about connecting you with marine science and your community!
Upcoming Events
From fan favorites like the Salish Sea Coffee Club, Dock Walks, and Family Barnacle Buddies, to citizen science opportunities and trivia nights - there is a way for everyone to connect to the sea and community with the Salish Sea School!
Community Calendar
An easy quick overview of all the community happenings at the Salish Sea School - our community calendar is the perfect place to start planning your week.
Looking for Information about out Discovery Center?
Did you know we have a Discovery Center? For more information and hours, explore our Visit Us page.
Join us at one of our community events
What's Coming Up
Jan 29, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMAnacortes, Sunset Beach, Anacortes, WA 98221, USACome explore the intertidal zone during this special evening low tide walk, from Sea Stars to Sea Slugs - you'll never know what we'll find!
Jan 31, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMAnacortes, Guemes Channel Trail, Anacortes, WA 98221, USACalling all birders and birding curious! Enjoy a morning with Salish Sea Naturalists and Skagit Audubon volunteers exploring the shores of the Salish during the best birding season of the year!
Feb 10, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMBow, 5712 Gilkey Ave, Bow, WA 98232, USAJoin us for a fun evening of Tufted Puffins and Trivia at Terramar Brewstillery!
Feb 13, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PMAnacortes, 904 Commercial Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221, USAJoin us for an Orca-themed Mug Crafting Night!
Feb 21, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMThe Salish Sea School Discovery Center, 2201 Skyline Way Unit 101, Anacortes, WA 98221, USAA Salish Sea School fan favorite! Enjoy a morning of free coffee and donuts while diving into this month's topic: Beach Crows!- Feb 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMAnacortes, Guemes Channel Trail, Anacortes, WA 98221, USACalling all birders and birding curious! Enjoy a morning with Salish Sea Naturalists and Skagit Audubon volunteers exploring the shores of the Salish during the best birding season of the year!
Mar 07, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMAnacortes, Sunset Beach, Anacortes, WA 98221, USAPerfect for young learners, ignite a love of nature and scientific discovery in preschoolers through joyful, play-based exploration of the Salish Sea and its surrounding ecosystems.
Mar 20, 2026, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PMSunset Beach, Sunset Beach, Anacortes, WA 98221, USACelebrate the beginning of spring with the Salish Sea School, community, and the sea in this special mindfulness walk and beach clean-up
Mar 21, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PMThe Salish Sea School Discovery Center, 2201 Skyline Way Unit 101, Anacortes, WA 98221, USALearn about Tufted Puffins and make your very own mask to wear to the Anacortes Earth Day Parade with Procession of the Species!
Mar 28, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMAnacortes Library, 1220 10th St, Anacortes, WA 98221, USAJoin the Salish Sea School and author and naturalist Maria Ruth (author of Rare Bird) in the first of The Salish Sea School's three part Speaker Series "Sea Science In Action."- Apr 04, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMAnacortes, Sunset Beach, Anacortes, WA 98221, USAPerfect for young learners, ignite a love of nature and scientific discovery in preschoolers through joyful, play-based exploration of the Salish Sea and its surrounding ecosystems.
- May 02, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMAnacortes, Sunset Beach, Anacortes, WA 98221, USAPerfect for young learners, ignite a love of nature and scientific discovery in preschoolers through joyful, play-based exploration of the Salish Sea and its surrounding ecosystems.
- Jun 06, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMAnacortes, Sunset Beach, Anacortes, WA 98221, USAPerfect for young learners, ignite a love of nature and scientific discovery in preschoolers through joyful, play-based exploration of the Salish Sea and its surrounding ecosystems.
Community Calendar
Artist Open Call: Under the Waves Art Exhibition
Under the Waves invites artists to help reveal the life of the Salish Sea that exists just beyond our everyday view. This exhibition shines a light on the hidden marine world beneath the surface—connecting viewers to the vibrant ecosystems that are often unseen, yet deeply interconnected with our lives. Deadline January 23, 11:59PM PST.
Art pictured by Hill Ossip
Salmon Viewing
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).
Time: During open Discovery Hours - click here
Location: The Salish Sea School Discovery Center
RSVPS not required - just show up!