
"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.
KEEP UP WITH THE PULSE
of the Salish Sea in this virtual continuing education program for environmental educators, marine naturalists, or nature enthusiast from across the world.
Designed for professionals and amateurs alike, this program goes beyond the basics and takes deeper dives on ecosystem-wide topics and the latest research. Please note, this is not an introductory program, basic knowledge is expected.

JOIN US ON THE SECOND WEDNESDAY EACH MONTH
for a year-long series of monthly naturalist nights connecting those who work (or play) in the field across the region to scientists and experts in a wide variety of fields.
begins at 5:30 PM
To provide the ability to get to know each other and socialize and recapture a sense of community.
Meet & Greet
6:00PM - 7:00PM
(See the line-up below!)
Speaker Presentation
Q&A
7:00PM - 7:30PM

with The Pulse of the Salish Sea by completing the following:
(1) Attending twelve virtual talks (1 per month),
(2) One volunteer event (of your choice) that in some way gives back to your local ecosystem,
(3) Pre and Post online survey
(4) Optional, a Fall 2022 boat trip with others that have signed up. Please see below for more information.
By registering, you will keep up with The Pulse of the Salish Sea, have opportunities to connect and network with other naturalists throughout the region, and support four regional non-profits.
All tuition will be divided amongst Orca Behavior Institute, Orca Network, The Salish Sea School, and Whale Scout. Thank you for your support!
Cost: $120
NOTE: IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO SIGN-UP! IF YOU SIGN-UP MID-YEAR AND GAIN ACCESS TO PREVIOUS TALK RECORDINGS!
BECOME CERTIFIED
All registration fees will equally support four non-profits: Orca Behavior Institute, Orca Network, The Salish Sea School, and Whale Scout. Thank you for your support!

Interested in signing-up for The Pulse 2022? Check out the amazing line-up of speakers, below!
January - Southern Resident Killer Whale Stories & Conversations, Dave Ellifrit
February - Sharks of the Salish Sea, Shawn Larson
March - Tribal Connections of the Salish Sea, Cecelia Gobin
April - Tufted Puffins of Washington, Dr. Peter Hodum
May - Hot Topic! Join us as we talk about the latest hot topic in the region.
June - Stormwater + Tire Chemicals, Dr. Kathy Peter
July - Harbor Porpoises of the Salish Sea, Dr. Cindy Elliser
August - The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change, Thor Hanson
September - Salmon, Thomas Quinn, School of Aquatic & Fishery Science, U.W.
October - Forage Fish Research and Management of the Salish Sea, Phil Dionne
November - Geology of the Salish Sea, Kate Hruby
December - Hot Topic! Join us as we talk about the latest hot topic in the region.
Please see below for a more detailed description.

2022 PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
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JANUARY
Wednesday, January 12th, 2022
Southern Resident Killer Whale Stories & Conversations
Dave Ellifrit

FEBRUARY
Wednesday, February 9th, 2022
Sharks of the Salish Sea
Shawn Larson

MARCH
Wednesday, March 9th, 2022
Tribal Connections of the Salish Sea
Cecelia Gobin

APRIL
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Tufted Puffins of Washington
Dr. Peter Hodum

MAY
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Hot Topic #1!
Join us as we talk about the latest hot topic in the region.

JUNE
Wednesday, June 8th, 2022
Stormwater + Tire Chemicals
Dr. Kathy Peter

JULY
Wednesday, July 13th, 2022
Harbor Porpoises of the Salish Sea
Dr. Cindy Elliser

AUGUST
Wednesday, August 10th, 2022
The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change
Thor Hanson

SEPTEMBER
Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
Forage Fish Research and Management of the Salish Sea
Phil Dionne

BOAT TRIP
optional gathering with The Pulse community, additional cost, launching with different companies in the region.
October, date TBD

OCTOBER
Wednesday, October 12th, 2022
Salmon
Thomas Quinn
School of Aquatic & Fishery Science, U.W.

NOVEMBER
Wednesday, November 9th, 2022
The Salish Sea is mountains that drop straight into the ocean, fossils peeking out from hillsides, glaciers of the past and present, and thousand foot deep water. The unique ecosystem of this region exists because of the geology, so let’s take a virtual walk from the tops of our snowy peaks to the depths of our sea.
Geology of the Salish Sea
Kate Hruby

DECEMBER
Wednesday, December 14th, 2022
Hot Topic!
Join us as we talk about the latest hot topic in the region.
FAQs
What does The Pulse certification mean?
Used to complete required continuing education hours, great addition to resumes.
Is this for adults only?
No! This program is for all motivated learners that want to dive deep into learning more about the Salish Sea!
I am a teacher, can I receive clock hours?
As of November 2021, we are working on getting this course approved!
Do I have to be working as a naturalist or educator to sign-up?
No, we welcome all people interested in learning more.
If I need to cancel, can I get a refund?
No refunds are available for this program.
What if I miss a virtual event?
Email us and we will email a recorded session to you.
What if I find out about this event next March and want to be certified?
We record all of the speakers, so you can still be certified if you watch the recordings!
Do I have to attend a volunteer event?
Yes, to receive the official certification. If you do not need the official certification, then no volunteer event is required. Although, it is always highly recommended to help a local environmental organization at least once a year!
Where will the volunteer events be held?
We hope to provide options all over the region, to include Seattle, Anacortes, and San Juan Islands.
What if I am not near any volunteer events?
Email us and we will help figure out another solution such as volunteering for an environmental event in your local area.
Do I have to pay an additional fee for the boat trip?
Yes, the boat trip will be scheduled and paid for separately. Each region will organize their own trip. We will talk more about this during our zoom calls.
Do I have to go on the boat trip?
No, the boat trip is optional.
Can I only attend a few monthly events?
Yes! You can choose to attend as many or as few events as you'd like, although you will only get the official certification (and sticker!) after attending all 12!
What non-profits are hosting this event?
This program is a partnership with Whale Scout, Orca Network, Orca Behavior Institute, and The Salish Sea School. All tuition will be split evenly between these four organizations.
What if I have questions?
Please contact us at info@thesalishseaschool.org