"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.
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Description: Perfect for students interested in diving deeper into marine research and conservation topics in the Salish Sea!
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Summer STaRS (Student Training as Research Scientists) is a weeklong boat-based research adventure through the San Juan Islands, including 4 days on the water and one on land. Each day students will explore different organisms and practice field skills to conduct research and surveys.
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Topics will include intertidal species abundance and distribution, orca acoustic and visual observation, bull kelp monitoring, marine bird observations, forage fish egg surveys, and more.
This program is an excellent introduction to field research practices, utilizing the scientific method, data collection and analysis, and honing observation skills. This is a perfect program for students interested in marine science careers.
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Students will step aboard the 48-foot Koinonia for an intimate, private charter experience—reserved exclusively for a small group of just 14 participants. With plenty of room to spread out, this spacious vessel provides a comfortable and personal setting to explore and learn about the incredible marine life of the Salish Sea.
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Please note: On some islands where a dock is unavailable or full, we’ll use a small dinghy to reach shore. Students must be comfortable and agile enough to step in and out of a dinghy from the boat (lifejackets provided and required).​​​
Student Outcomes:
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Practice applying the scientific method in real-world settings
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Hands-on experience using field research tools and techniques
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Increased confidence conducting fieldwork and collecting data
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Understanding of how scientific research informs policy and conservation action
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Qualifications to enroll: ​
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Ability to stay focused and attentive while observing in the field for 2-4 hours
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An excitement for learning about local marine life
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The ability to work well with others
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Students should come with basic knowledge about the local marine life and ecosystem
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This is a great opportunity for past Guardians of the Sea students or young science enthusiasts
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Program Goals:
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Inspire interest in marine science and conservation careers
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Build a pathway for the next generation of marine scientists and ocean advocates
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Provide meaningful field-based learning that supports academic and career readiness
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Strengthen students’ ability to succeed in higher education through experiential science
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Please note: weather conditions will dictate if/when we go out on the water. If conditions do not permit boat travel, we will be exploring all that Fidalgo has to offer or ferry to another island for new adventures. ​
