"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!
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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Constructed in 1906, the station served as a home to generations of lightkeeper families until its automation in 1973. The once-cherished landmark suffered significant degradation over the past four decades due to vandalism, weather, and scavenging. The dedicated volunteers of the Northwest Schooner Society are now committed to bringing the station back to its former glory while adhering to guidelines set by the Secretary of the Interior and the Washington State Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation.
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To take part in this exciting restoration initiative, please join us on Saturday, August 24th, at 8:00AM check-in (8:30AM departure) at The Salish Sea School Discovery Center. We will embark on a short boat ride to Burrows Island. Please note that participants must be physically capable of climbing a dockside ladder upon arrival at the island. We will depart Burrows Island at 4:30PM
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Our volunteer guides, Dan and Steve, will provide an overview of the restoration project and outline the trail clearing tasks for the day.
Over the course of four hours, we will work together to revive the natural beauty of Burrows Island.
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The remaining time on the island will include time to explore and relax amidst the breathtaking scenery. Dan and Steve also invite participants with a valid fishing license and gear to enjoy some leisurely fishing during the visit.
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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 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.
Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk
April 2025 - Earth Day Celebration - coming soon
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.