"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.
Community Events
Join us at the following community events happening throughout the year!
Dad (or Grandpa) & Me on the Sea!
A Floating Costume Party!
What’s better than making memories with Dad out in nature? Not much. That’s why this Halloween season, we’re planning an event kids and dads alike are sure to remember. It’s a “Dad and Me” costume party…on a boat! We’ll go out on a two hour adventure on the Salish Sea.
We plan to explore the wonders of Rosario Strait - Bird Rocks, Williamson Rocks, and Burrows Bay. We’ll visit national wildlife refuges in search of marine mammals and interesting sea birds. We’ll tell terrifically terrible dad jokes. We’ll even have a trick or treat station on the boat.
If you’re looking for an excellent way to make this fall memorable, grab a fun costume and join us for this one-of-a-kind adventure. You otter be there!
Rain date will be the following weekend, November 3rd.​
Burrows Island Light Station & Trails Restoration Project
We recommend ages 7 and up.
The Salish Sea School is proud to announce a new service partnership with the Northwest Schooner Society as they have embarked on a wonderful vision to restore the historical Burrow’s Island Light Station and clear various walking paths and overgrown areas.
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To take part in this exciting restoration initiative, please join us on Saturday, August 24th, at 8:00AM check-in (8:30AM departure) at The Salish Sea School Discovery Center. We will embark on a short boat ride to Burrows Island. Please note that participants must be physically capable of climbing a dockside ladder upon arrival at the island. We will depart Burrows Island at 4:30PM
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Our volunteer guides, Dan and Steve, will provide an overview of the restoration project and outline the trail clearing tasks for the day.
Over the course of four hours, we will work together to revive the natural beauty of Burrows Island.
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The remaining time on the island will include time to explore and relax amidst the breathtaking scenery. Dan and Steve also invite participants with a valid fishing license and gear to enjoy some leisurely fishing during the visit.
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Winter Solstice Luminaria Walk
lluminating Hope: Salish Sea School's Winter Solstice Walk for the Southern Resident Orcas:
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On the longest night of the year, The Salish Sea School invites the community to join us for a beautiful and symbolic Winter Solstice Walk in honor of the endangered Southern Resident Orcas. This unique event will take place on the winter solstice, offering participants of all ages the opportunity to contribute to a collective light display that reflects our shared commitment to the survival of these magnificent creatures.
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As the sun sets on the shortest day, we will gather at the cabanas by the boat launch in Washington Park, each bearing a handcrafted luminaria—a traditional paper lantern that glows with the gentle warmth of an LED light. As the darkness falls, these luminarias will light our path as we walk together, representing the guiding light of hope and the resilience of the Southern Resident Orcas that call the Salish Sea their home.
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Together, we will embark on a contemplative walk to Green Point, where we will form a stunning arrangement of luminarias along the shore. Against the backdrop of the tranquil waters, the lights will serve as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures that face an uncertain future.
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This special evening is about more than just raising awareness; it's also an opportunity to create lasting memories and forge new connections as we come together under the starlit sky. The Winter Solstice Walk serves as a beacon of hope for the Southern Resident Orcas and an enduring testament to the power of collective action in preserving the wonders of our natural world.
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Join us on the winter solstice as we illuminate the night and, together, shine a light on the future of the Southern Resident Orcas.
This year’s Winter Solstice walk will be held on December 21st, 2024. Meet @ 4:15PM, walk to Green Point together at 4:30PM.
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** rain date of December 22nd, 2024 **
Dock Detectives - Dock Walk
Open to ALL ages! October 22, 5:30PM-7:00PM
Join us for an evening walk on the dock to see what creatures are hanging out at our local marina!
Salish Sea School educators will guide the walk as we search the structures for life (life jackets required).
The first hour we will search for and observe creatures at the Skyline Marina docks. As the sun sets, we will also be looking to see if different organisms come out at night!
The last half hour will be an optional microscope observation in the Salish Sea School Discovery Center office.
What will we find?! We never know and that is the BEST part!
Parents are welcome to stay or drop off students ages 8 and up
Orca Recovery Day
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Launched in 2018 by Washington Conservation Districts, Orca Recovery Day is designed to be an intentional day of action to advocate for orcas, restore habitat, reduce stormwater pollution and learn more about everyday actions we can take to better the Salish Sea environment.
We will be displaying a salmon dissection and have teen author, Nateli Sanderson at the table!
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This is a drop-in family event at the Anacortes Farmer's Market- please come at any time between 9AM-2PM and find our table!
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April 2025 - Earth Day Celebration - coming soon
Summer Reading Kick-Off and Orca Month Celebration
Celebrate Orca Month at Washington Park: A Fun-Filled Family Event with Face Painting, Beach Clean-Up, Learning Activities, Adventures, and More! In partnership with the Anacortes Public Library, join us for an unforgettable Orca Month celebration at Washington Park. This exciting event offers something for everyone, bringing together our community to raise awareness and appreciation for the majestic Southern Resident Orcas.
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Highlights of the celebration include:
Face Painting: Kids and adults alike can transform into their favorite marine animals with the help of our talented face painters.
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Beach Clean-Up: Help protect the orcas' habitat by participating in a beach clean-up alongside fellow community members.
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Learning Activities: Explore a variety of educational exhibits and interactive displays showcasing the importance of orcas in the Salish Sea ecosystem.
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Storytime: Delight in orca-themed stories and crafts, inspiring a love for these magnificent animals in young readers.
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Together, let's celebrate Orca Month and promote conservation efforts for the Southern Resident Orcas. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature and your community at Washington Park!
Fourth of July Parade!
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Launched in 2018 by Washington Conservation Districts, Orca Recovery Day is designed to be an intentional day of action to advocate for orcas, restore habitat, reduce stormwater pollution and learn more about everyday actions we can take to better the Salish Sea environment.
We will be learning how rivers, neighborhoods, and forests are connected to orcas. We will also be handing out native plants, displaying a salmon dissection, and handing out salmon-shaped cotton candy!
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This is a drop-in family event - please come at any time between 10AM-1PM and celebrate together with your family.
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The event is held at The Salish Sea School's Discovery Center near Skyline Marina. The event is on the first floor of the second red-roofed building.
