2026 Field Experiences
Field Experiences—Sunday, October 4, 2026
Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour
Time: 10:00 am, tour lasts about 2 hours.
Description: Discover the enormous scale of modern wastewater treatment—from giant digesters and towering tanks to the strange things that get flushed down toilets. Learn how the facility protects water quality and marine ecosystems and what happens to our bio solids, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Chambers Bay.
Cost: Free
Includes: A tour of the wastewater treatment facility, led by staff. Lunch is not provided.
Min/max: 12 people max
Age restrictions: Participants must be 10 or older and be accompanied by a parent/guardian if aged 10-17.
Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to walk for ~2 hours, including up and down stairs.
Location: 10311 Chambers Creek Rd W, University Place, WA 98467
Transportation: On own/Carpool
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium and Behind the Scenes Tour
Time: Pacific Seas Behind the Scenes Tour 12:00-1:15 pm, meet at 11:45 am. Can enter the zoo any time between 9:00-11:45 am.
Description: Ever touched a moon jelly or fed an anemone? On this tour, you’ll explore the aquarium’s backstage areas to see where aquarists work and discover how they care for marine animals. Slip into the mesmerizing world of jellies to see how they grow. See where divers get suited up and submerge into exhibits to clean and care for the animals. Be awed by the massive life support system that sustains these habitats. Peer over Baja Bay to see the graceful swimming of sea turtles and spotted eagle rays from above water. Try your own hand at being an aquarist by helping us feed the animals in the Tidal Touch Zone!
Cost: $55.00
Includes: admission to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, a behind the scenes tour. Lunch is not provided.
Min/max: 12 people max, we’ll divide into 2 groups for the tour
Age restrictions: Participates must be 8 or older.
Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to walk for ~2 hours, including up and down stairs. (ADA accommodations are available.)
Location: 5400 N Pearl St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Transportation: On own/Carpool
Chambers Bay Cruise aboard the M/V Doolin-Rogers
Time: Meet at 8:45 am for a 9:00 am sail, return to the docks by 11:00 am
Description: Step outside the classroom and onto the M/V Doolin-Rogers—Youth Marine Foundation’s premier educational vessel and floating classroom on Puget Sound. Designed for hands-on learning and career exploration, our maritime field trips turn a day on the water into an unforgettable journey into STEM, environmental science, and maritime careers. Participates get real-world exposure to life at sea—navigating, learning seamanship skills, and interacting with maritime professionals. Take sediment samples, test the water quality, search for plankton, all from the deck of the MV Doolin-Rogers.
Cost: $100
Includes: A 1.5-hour cruise on Commencement Bay, hands-on science learning, and water and sediment sampling. Breakfast and lunch are not provided.
Min/max: 20 people minimum, 80 people max
Age restrictions: Must be 10 or older (must weigh over 45 lbs)
Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to navigate a marina dock and embark/disembark vessel via stairs.
Location: 820 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421
Transportation: On own/Carpool
