"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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Join us for an exclusive small group expedition to Smith Island, where just 4-6 participants will spend three hours at Smith Island delving into the fascinating behavior of Tufted Puffins. This mission-driven journey goes beyond birdwatching—experience an adventure focused on tufted puffin research on the Salish Sea!
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Your ticket purchase serves as a fundraiser, with every trip directly supporting our education and research programs, helping us advance our mission of marine conservation.
Photo above by Eric Ellingson
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​This in-depth research experience is designed for curious birders eager to contribute to real-world conservation. We’ll gather data on puffin burrow usage, provide critical information to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and observe the forage fish these endangered birds rely on.
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Participants will have the unique opportunity to make detailed behavioral observations, enhancing our understanding of puffin feeding habits and their broader ecology.
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The expedition is open to birders of all levels, and photographers are encouraged—especially if they are willing to share their photos for research purposes. Your contributions will help document puffin behavior and support conservation efforts to protect these remarkable seabirds.
Photo by Eric Ellingson
We will be aboard the Salish Sea School's 22' Hewescraft Ocean Pro, designed for both comfort and functionality during our expeditions. The vessel offers indoor and outdoor seating, allowing participants to fully appreciate the breathtaking views of the Salish Sea. Please note that we will be in open waters, so those prone to seasickness should take appropriate precautions before joining. In case of bad weather or high winds, we will reschedule the trip.
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For your convenience, the vessel is equipped with a portable camping toilet to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the journey. During our 2-3 hours at Smith Island, we will gather crucial data on Tufted Puffins, making this vessel the ideal setting for our research-focused adventure.
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All trips depart from and return to Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington.
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WE ARE A NONPROFIT: As a 501(c)(3), our mission is to spark curiosity and connect communities to the sea through adventure, research, and hands-on programs that inspire marine stewardship.
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SUPPORT STUDENTS: Your ticket purchase helps to provide incredible experiences for students to explore the Salish Sea, many for the first time, through boat rides, kayaking, and tide pool adventures.
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SUPPORT RESEARCH: Join our trips means contributing to vital bird surveys and data collection for Tufted Puffins and seabirds, aiding in conservation efforts.
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PRE-TRIP EDUCATION: Enjoy an optional Zoom lesson on Washington’s Tufted Puffins and the research we’ll conduct during your trip.
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POST-TRIP MATERIALS: Receive a complete eBird list and trip report, contributing to citizen science and capturing lasting memories with photos.
Why book with us? A key part of our nonprofit's mission is offering these opportunities to underserved students for free, many of whom have never even touched the sand before. Trips like this make it possible for us to continue this important work! Here are some photos from our student programs that your support helps make possible!
