Salmon Swimming upstream

sound Waters University February 3, 2024
Save the date!

Sound waters university logo

Sound Waters University

Are you curious about Octopuses, Whales, or the health of our seas? Do you want to learn about environmental resilience to climate change?

Celebrate 30 years of Sound Waters University with in-person and online classes, field trips, and more!

Save the date, February 3, 2024!

Join our mailing list! Receive email updates on marine announcements, early registration access, and more. See the box at the bottom of this page.

4 orcas swimming in a line
Photo by Jill Hein
orca leaping out of water
Photo by Jill Hein

*Registration to open in November of 2023.

From Sky to Sea

What makes this event hybrid?

  • Register for in-person or online experience package
  • Expert live classes offered in-person
  • Select classes streamed online + access to recordings
  • Add on field trips to immerse yourself

Field trip topics have included:

  • Old Growth Forests
  • Habitat Restoration
  • Winter Birding
  • Marine Mammal Identification
  • Rain Barrel Construction and Use
  • Geology of Bluffs & Beaches
  • Natural History
  • Standing in Native places

More details coming soon!

salmon in stream

2023 Speakers

Dr. Joe Gaydos Science Director, Sea Doc Society
Mindy Roberts Puget Sound Campaign Manager, Washington Environmental Council
Dr. Lyda Harris Environmental sustainability and conservation scientist, Boeing
Luan Roberts Nudibranch enthusiast with a master of arts in biology
Dr. Julia Parrish Founder of COASST
Don Noviello Oil Spill Planning and Response Specialist, WA Dept of Fish and Wildlife
Dr. Jim Nestler Professor of Biology, Walla Walla University
Erin Gless Executive Director, Pacific Whale Watch Association
Marianne Elliott Plant Pathology Research Associate, WSU Puyallup
Michael Yadrick Plant Ecologist, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Dave Peterson Professor of Forest Biology at the University of Washington

2023 Sound Waters University Field Trips


Are you interested, but can’t attend live on February 3rd? Register and have access to the class recordings for 30 days.


Discounts & Scholarships Available

  • Students, Teachers, Active Military, Veterans, and AmeriCorps: 50% off your general admission. Include your photo ID, ID #, school, and/or place of work
  • Full or partial scholarships are available to help offset the general admissions and we understand financial situations are different for everyone. Please reach out and let us know if you would like to attend.
  • Requests will be processed on a case-by-case basis
  • To request discounts and scholarships, email registerswu@soundwaterstewards.org

Sound Waters University (SWU) is the largest educational activity and fundraiser presented by Sound Water Stewards (SWS) 501(c)(3) non-profit of Island County.


Recording Policies

  • Must not be shared
  • Are available for 30 days.
  • Access to recordings only, no refunds available. 

Limited Scholarships Available

  • Email registerswu@soundwaterstewards.org 
  • Include your ID #, school, and/or place of work

Thank you to our Past Sponsors/Grantors

Become a sponsor of this event.

Learn more about our different levels.