The Beach Watchers program has officially wrapped, and wow, what an incredible ride it’s been. I’ve learned so much, met the most passionate ocean advocates, and left every class buzzing with new knowledge (and probably a few fun facts I’ve forced my husband to hear more than once 😅).
Our final week of training was absolutely packed with fascinating topics that tied so many pieces together. We dove into:
🪶 Puget Sound Birds – From the loud and lovable gulls to stealthy herons, we learned how these feathered locals play a huge role in coastal ecosystems. I'm definitely seeing the shore through more binoculars now.
🐋 Mega Fauna & Pinnipeds – AKA the celebrities of the Salish Sea! Seals, sea lions, porpoises, and whales—oh my. Learning about the roles these animals play in marine health just made me love them more (which I didn’t think was possible).
♻️ Zero Waste Washington – This was super inspiring and eye-opening. We talked about the real impact of our waste habits and how small changes, like ditching single-use plastics, can create ripple effects in our communities and watersheds.
🧪 BEACH Water Sampling – Ever wonder how we know if it’s safe to swim or play in Puget Sound? The BEACH program monitors bacterial levels in the water to keep us informed. Citizen science at its finest!
🧫 Microplastics in Marine Life – This one hit hard. It's everywhere. And it’s affecting everything. But the good news? There are so many ways to take action and help reduce plastic pollution. Every mindful step matters.
Now that Beach Watchers has come to a close (cue bittersweet whale song), I'm SO excited to say that I’ll be continuing my journey as a Beach Naturalist next! I can't wait to get back to the shorelines and tide pools—only now I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned with curious beachgoers and hopefully inspiring a few new ocean lovers along the way.
More marine adventures, muddy boots, and salty smiles coming your way soon 🌊
Thanks for following along on this journey. Whether you’re a fellow volunteer, a marine life fan, or just here for the vibes, I’m so glad you’re part of this.
Stay kelpy 💚