"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.
RESEARCH INTIATIVES
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.
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The Salish Sea School conducts weekly Marbled Murrelet surveys at Washington Park in Anacortes. Volunteers will help observe murrelets, record behavior, and contribute data shared with state agencies to support conservation efforts.
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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.
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Free event, RSVP below and be part of this community science effort!
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Photos by Eric Ellingson
Endangered Tufted Puffin Survey
For over five seasons, we have conducted surveys to monitor puffin activity, including documenting burrow use, adult behavior, and forage fish observations at known and historical nesting areas. By returning to the same sites year after year, we are able to build a valuable long-term dataset that helps reveal trends in puffin presence, breeding behavior, and habitat use.
These community-powered surveys contribute meaningful information to regional conservation efforts and help ensure that this iconic seabird remains part of the Salish Sea for generations to come.
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Both tours below support ongoing research and data collection — join us and be part of the science!
Invasive Green Crab Survey
Invasive European green crabs are a growing threat in the Salish Sea, and we need your help to monitor Seafarer’s Memorial Park Beach.
Join us for hands-on community science event where we’ll survey crab molts to collect important data for scientists and coastal managers working to protect our local marine ecosystems. While we’re there, we’ll also take time to remove marine debris and help keep our shoreline healthy for wildlife and our community.
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What to expect:
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Hands-on participation in real community science
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Learn how to identify European green crab molts
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Make a tangible difference for local marine life
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Enjoy a beautiful day at the beach with a great group of people
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This event is perfect for families and community members of all ages.​ Come be part of this important conservation effort—your participation helps safeguard the Salish Sea!
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.
Intertidal Survey and Forage Fish Survey
The Salish Sea School is proud to partner with — and be funded by — the Skagit Marine Resources Committee to carry out forage fish and intertidal surveys throughout Skagit County. Through this collaboration, we engage community members and students in hands-on field research that helps collect critical data used to guide local marine conservation and shoreline management.
Together, we’re building both the science and the stewardship needed to protect the Salish Sea’s nearshore ecosystems.
2021 Marine Bird Survey
