"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.
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Illuminating Hope:
A Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk
When & Where
Held each year on the Sunday on or before the Winter Solstice at Washington Park’s Sunset Beach in Anacortes, Washington.
This year: December 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM
About the Event
Join us for a peaceful and meaningful evening honoring the Southern Resident killer whales and all creatures of the Salish Sea.
As we gather on one of the darkest evenings of the year, we’ll light the shoreline with luminarias as a symbol of hope, reflection, and our shared commitment to caring for the waters and wildlife that connect us.
Before the walk, hear from local student speakers and a naturalist from The Salish Sea School as they share stories, science, and reflections about the Southern Resident killer whales and the Salish Sea they call home.
Afterward, gather around community campfires and enjoy free s’mores together—a warm ending to an evening centered on connection, learning, reflection, and hope.
This event is free, open to all ages, and no registration is required.
Want to make your own luminaria before the walk? Visit our Free Community Programs page to learn about upcoming luminaria-making workshops.
