"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.
RESEARCH INITIATIVES
Community Powered Science
Our Why: At The Salish Sea School, we believe deeply in the power of citizen science to create real, lasting impact for the Salish Sea.
By inviting students, families, and community members to help collect meaningful data, we not only spark curiosity and connection, but also contribute valuable information to ongoing conservation and research efforts. We are proud to be involved in multiple research initiatives—from marine bird surveys to intertidal monitoring and species observations—and none of this work would be possible without the dedication, enthusiasm, and support of our community.
Together, we are showing that when people are empowered to participate in science, they become stewards of the places they love and an essential part of protecting them for the future. Click on a circle below to learn more.
Marbled Murrelet Survey
The Marbled Murrelet is a small, endangered seabird of the Salish Sea with a remarkable life cycle. Unlike most seabirds, it nests high in old-growth forests miles inland, relying on both ancient forests and healthy coastal waters to survive. Unfortunately, its population is declining.
The Salish Sea School conducts weekly Marbled Murrelet surveys at Washington Park in Anacortes. Volunteers will help observe murrelets, record behavior, and support conservation efforts.
These surveys are open to everyone—from experienced birders to curious newcomers.
Join us to take part in meaningful, hands-on conservation and help protect one of the Salish Sea’s most extraordinary seabirds.
Free event, RSVP below and be part of this community science effort!
Photos by Eric Ellingson
Endangered Tufted Puffin Survey
Turning the tide for endangered Tufted Puffins starts with awareness—and action.
For over five seasons, we’ve helped support state-led research on puffin populations. Our work includes documenting Smith Island's colony activity, adult behavior, and their forage fish diet
By returning to the same locations year after year, we are building a valuable long-term dataset that helps scientists better understand trends in puffin presence, breeding success, and habitat use.
These community-powered surveys contribute meaningful data to regional conservation efforts—helping ensure that this iconic seabird remains part of the Salish Sea for generations to come.
Both tours below directly support this ongoing research and data collection—join us and be part of the science.
Monthly Marine Bird Survey from 2021
Below you can see the charts that reflect 3 water GPS points and 1 rock (bird rocks) point from 2021.
2021 Marine Bird Survey
