Sound Waters University Field Trips

Times and Locations vary – register for trips at SWU website at https://www.soundwatersuniversity.org/

Experience Sound Waters University in the field. We are excited to announce the addition of in-person field trips on Feb 6, the day after Sound Waters University 2022’s virtual event. Explore the outdoors during the winter alongside expert naturalists.

Four Field Trips will be available at various times on Sunday, February 6, 2022 in Island and Skagit Counties for a wide range of interests, experiences, and mobilities.

One of our perennial favorites, PaulBen McElwain, will guide participants at Libbey Beach on an exploration of “The Western Bluffs, Beaches and Waves of Whidbey Island.” This is an opportunity to learn how tectonic, glacial, and shoreline processes shape our western Whidbey Island nearshore bluffs and beaches. PaulBen’s magical interpretation of nature promises a unique encounter with tide pools, bluffs, and the beach in winter. He invites you to come and see why he calls our home the “Pacific Northeast.”

Jay Adams will be our guide for “The Winter Birds of Dugualla Bay and Lake.” February mornings at Dugualla Preserve are a great time to experience the wide variety of waterfowl that lures birders in the winter. Ducks, Grebes, and other water birds are usually present. We will explore the recent restoration project that has protected the fresh water lake and wetlands and re-flooded a significant estuary. New and experienced birders alike are invited. Most of us know Jay from VET Field Trips and other classes. There is nothing he enjoys more than helping other birders learn more about birds and birding.

Tina Dinzl-Pederson is offering “Iverson Preserve on Camano Island: Exploration and Inspiration.” Tina recently retired as the Interpretive Specialist at Cama Beach Historical State Park. She has an extensive background as a naturalist and interpreter who thrives on providing meaningful educational experiences to others. Enjoy a two-hour walk along flat trails exploring wetlands, native plants, and tidal marshes. Tina masterfully defines what is visible and what is invisible within the temperate forest habitat and the marine ecosystem.

The “Skagit Flats Winter Birding Caravan” will explore wetlands, fields, and tidelands around Conway and Fir Island. Jeff Osmundson and volunteers from the Skagit Audubon Society will guide our quest for geese, tundra swans, raptors, and shore birds. Jeff is president of Skagit Audubon and leads birding trips in every season in Skagit and Island Counties. Members of our VET Class of 2021 recently enjoyed a visit to Rosario Head with Jeff and his colleagues.  He enjoys being in the field with birders of all levels of experience. The Caravan will move in your own vehicles as we find the birds wherever they are that day.

Registration opens in early December.
Add-on Field Trips to your registration ticket. 
Space is limited to 15 people on each Field Trip.
Don’t wait to register!