Sound Water Stewards are trained volunteers working in and around Island County for a healthy, sustainable Puget Sound environment through education, community outreach, stewardship, and citizen science.
SWS Volunteer training class
Education is at our core. We believe knowledge leads to action. Each year, new Stewards receive 100 hours of training to equip them to participate in and lead projects, activities and committees. For the public, under the banner of “a one-day university for all” we present Sound Waters University annually on the first Saturday of February. The wildly-popular SWU offers a wide range of collegiate level courses for the general public; explore the 2020 offerings. Mark your calendar to attend the virtual SWU on Feb 6, 2021. Throughout the year we offer educational activities for the public ranging from children’s activities to an adult-oriented speaker series.
Invasive European Green Crab
Citizen Science engages our trained members to support critical research in partnership with universities, government, tribes, scientists, and data managers across the Salish Sea. SWS volunteers help to monitor flora and fauna on Island County beaches, observe Pigeon Guillemot colonies, capture data on invasive European green crabs, collect data on marine debris and many more scientific endeavors.
Beach clean-up
Stewardship is the third pillar of our program. An ethic of stewardship permeates all we do. Here we highlight activities involving Stewards taking action to preserve and enhance shorelines, beaches, and habitat including beach clean-ups, invasive plant removal, and fishing line (monofilament line) collection.
- Find our latest newsletter online filled with Volunteer activities and inspiring actions by Stewards.
- Use this page to find the link for recording your hours.
- View details and watch the recorded presentations in the virtual training for the Class of 2020.
- Learn how to become a Steward.
- Watch the video below to learn more about SWS.
Sound Water Stewards of Island County is a non-profit supported by contributions from individuals, community businesses, community partnerships, special events and grants from the Lighthouse Environmental Programs.
When you buy this license plate, proceeds benefit SWS and other environmental programs in Island County. Get yours today!
