2026 Sessions
Friday, October 2
Evening Session • 5:15 – 6:00 pm
Chris Staudinger from Pretty Gritty Tours
Tacoma, back from the Ashes
Once the gateway to pristine wilderness, yet also the first superfund cleanup in the nation. Tacoma is a city of momentum, and while there have been some stumbles, if there is anything Tacoma excels at, it’s getting back up after getting knocked down. Come hear the fascinating history of Tacoma as it navigated the boom town era into the city we have today.
Saturday, October 3
Morning Plenary • 8:30 – 9:45 am
P. Sean MacDonald, Associate Teaching Professor, University of Washington
Emily Grason, Marine Ecologist and Crab Team Program Lead, Washington Sea Grant
Choose Your Own Adventure: Gamifying Environmental Education and Outreach
How do you keep adult audiences engaged, curious, and actively involved in learning? In this interactive keynote, Emily Grason and Sean McDonald explore gamification as a tool for environmental education, drawing on techniques developed through both university teaching and informal marine science education across the region. Using A.M.A.zing Green Crab Facts, their choose-your-own-adventure presentation built around audience-selected “topic bingo,” they will demonstrate how choice, play, and a little unpredictability can transform a traditional presentation into a participatory learning experience. Attendees will experience the approach firsthand, help determine where the presentation goes next, and leave with practical ideas for adapting gamification to their own teaching and outreach.
Concurrent Session #1 • 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Eagleview B
10:00 – 11:30 am
Transforming Marine Debris into Community Engagement
Rachel Freeman, Oregon Shores
Join Oregon Shores for an interactive, immersive breakout session that blends environmental storytelling with creative action. Attendees will be invited into a dynamic journey‚ from winter beach cleanups to collaborative art‚ highlighting how coastal restoration and creativity unite to build environmental awareness and stewardship.
90-minute hands-on experience
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
AKSEA – Bridging Worlds and Bringing them to Classrooms
Leigh Lubin, Alaska Sea Grant
The Alaska Knowledge, Science, & Educator Alliance (AKSEA) brings together educators, scientists, and Knowledge Holders to co-create lessons. This collaborative model fosters meaningful connections and reciprocal knowledge sharing. The program supports locally relevant science education, strengthens experts’ communication skills, and provides teachers with curriculum development support. It bridges differences in methods and values to bring a more complete, integrated understanding into the classroom. This session shares the AKSEA program model, including how Indigenous Knowledge was integrated into the original Oregon Marine Scientist & Educator Alliance model.
30-minute presentation
Osprey
10:00 – 11:30 am
Marine Mammal CSI
Aeriel Wauhob, Highline College MaST Center Aquarium
Learn about issues facing our local Puget Sound marine mammals and ways to reduce human-wildlife conflicts during this unique hands-on experience. Participants become wildlife detectives articulating skeletons, analyzing necropsy reports, and presenting findings on why the marine mammal stranded!
90-minute hands-on experience
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Preparing High School & College Students for Ocean Majors in an Evolving Landscape
Christen Becker, Ecollegy College & Career Coaching
Joe Kobayashi, University of Washington College of the Environment, Marine Biology
In rapidly evolving political, economic, and technological times, it can be challenging to know how to best prepare the next generation of ocean leaders and professionals. In this session, we will share today’s best practices for preparing high school students to pursue ocean-related majors in college. This session is a good fit for educators who include college and career readiness in their programming for high school students, in the classroom, and in nonprofit settings. It may also be of interest to current high school and college students, faculty who support undergraduates with career development, and parents of college-bound students.
30-minute presentation
Heron
10:00 – 11:30 am
Integrating Art and Science for Formal and Non-Formal Learners
Chandler Colahan, Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Annie England, Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Erin Merklein, Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Come learn about the integration of art and science for elementary students, and how to create more inclusive learning environments for neurodivergent students. Lessons focus on providing a space for students to grow creatively, meet academic science needs, and promote social emotional learning. The lesson plans, created as an Arts in Education project supported by ArtsWa, utilize art as a tool to investigate scientific understandings such as habitats, food webs, and the interconnectedness of people and nature. In this session we will explore various lessons, and we’ll share tips and techniques to make lessons more inclusive for neurodivergent learners.
90-minute hands-on experience
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
Exploring Patterns of Nudibranch Biodiversity at Haystack Rock, a Protected Marine Garden
Student Presenters: Caroline Barr, Kaya Lancaster, Elise Walters and Jasper King, Northwest Academy (High School), Portland, Or.
This presentation investigates population trends and relative abundance of nudibranchs, colorful and soft-bodied marine invertebrates, within tidepools at Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach. This field-based study examined nudibranch biological diversity: a federal wildlife refuge and state-protected rocky intertidal habitat. In summer 2025, Northwest Academy students conducted an in situ observational survey to understand patterns of seasonal change in local nudibranch populations. Throughout the survey, species richness varied from two to six taxa, including Triopha modesta and Hermissenda crassicornis. Total relative abundance recorded ranged from seven-34 individuals. Nudibranchs, a charismatic biological indicator, play a crucial role in understanding marine ecosystem health.
30-minute presentation
Magnolia
10:00 – 11:30 am
Shoreline Stewardship: Student-Led Investigations of Salish Sea Health
Sabrina Shaw, Sky Valley Education Center
Environmental Studies Students: Emogene Shaw, Joshua Monger, Kaia Knight
This interactive workshop showcases how Environmental Studies students, alongside their teacher, Sabrina Shaw, transformed the Salish Sea into a living laboratory through a year-long, integrated field study. Participants will gain an overview of Sky Valley’s ESS program and learn how students partnered with local organizations and used free community resources to develop their own field protocols and toolkits for monitoring the health of the Salish Sea. Students will lead participants in this session through hands-on activities, modeling scientific inquiry and showing how students can actively engage as stewards of their communities.
90-minute hands-on experience
11:30 am – 12:00 pm
WILD Genetics – Wonder, Immersion & Learning DNA through Hands-on Field Investigations
Maria Metler, Vashon Nature Center
Santiago Ramos Torrescano
Learn how the Vashon Nature Center transforms students into working scientists through hands-on field investigations that enrich classroom learning while contributing to international biodiversity knowledge. Discover the basics of environmental DNA (eDNA) research, be introduced to sampling methods and equipment, and discuss what can be detected and the associated limitations. Get an inside look at how to engage high school students in eDNA research. Hear how collaborative partnerships have improved project outcomes.
30-minute presentation
Concurrent Session #2 • 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Theater
3:00 – 3:30 pm
Hoh Watershed Adventure Camp
Sebastian Gibbs, Hoh Tribe Cultural Resources
It takes a village to rebuild a culture. The Hoh Tribe shares how a week-long rafting trip serves as active preservation. Come view a mini documentary about the Hoh Watershed Adventure Camp and find out how the Tribe connects culture and science. This historic river route proves that they’re one and the same.
30-minute presentation
3:30 – 4:00 pm
Improving access to ocean and coastal data: How the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems serves the Pacific Northwest
Rachel Wold, Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS)
The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) provides users with a rich interface to access observations, forecasts, and satellite overlays from a wide range of ocean and coastal assets in a user-friendly format. NANOOS has also developed a wide variety of user-specific products and educational materials centered on regional priorities. Examples include online tsunami evacuation/inundation maps, forecast products developed for commercial and recreational albacore tuna fishers, real-time water quality information optimized for shellfish growers, blended tide, current, weather conditions forecasts for mariners, and informational “theme pages” for issues of regional interest, such as ocean acidification, hypoxia, and HABs, with direct links to data, educational content, and regional activities. A variety of lesson plans, some using real-time data, and learning resources are also available and being used and evaluated by teachers at various levels.
30-minute presentation
4:00 – 4:30 pm
Immersive Conservation Storytelling: Amplifying the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Sanctuary Through Technological Improvements at the Waikīkī Aquarium
Paige Kiarie, Howard University
Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary, also known as the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, is one of the world’s largest conservation areas, and many residents and visitors may never have the opportunity to experience it firsthand. By developing a 360° immersive theater experience, people can virtually visit the sanctuary at the Waikīkī Aquarium to develop a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and environmental importance of this sacred place. This experience empowers the local community and visitors alike to recognize their role in protecting Hawai’i’s natural and cultural heritage through connections to Papahānaumokuākea.
30-minute presentation
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Sea Otters, Swifties & Beer Festivals: Finding Conservation Support in Unexpected Places
Chanel Hason, Elakha Alliance
As nonprofit organizations compete for limited attention, traditional outreach methods alone are no longer enough. This presentation highlights how the Elakha Alliance has embraced innovative communication strategies to connect with audiences beyond the typical conservation community. From partnering with breweries, artists, tourism organizations, and museums to leveraging social media trends, pop culture, community events, and creative fundraising campaigns, this session explores how unconventional outreach can broaden support, increase engagement, and inspire action. Attendees will leave with practical, adaptable ideas for expanding their own organization’s reach – regardless of staff size or budget.
30-minute presentation
Rehearsal Hall
3:00 – 3:50 pm
Beyond the Wow Factor: Evaluating Immersive Learning Through the Salish Sea Dome Experience
Jess Newley, Friends of the San Juans
Immersive experiences can captivate audiences- but how do we know they create meaningful learning? In this interactive workshop, participants will step inside the Salish Sea Dome Experience, a portable 360° immersive theater that brings the underwater world of the Salish Sea to life through science, storytelling, and place-based education. Using the Dome as a case study, participants will collaborate to design evaluation tools that measure curiosity, knowledge gain, emotional connection, and stewardship outcomes. Leave with practical strategies for assessing experiential learning and strengthening the impact of immersive environmental education programs in classrooms, museums, aquariums, and community settings.
50-minute workshop
Osprey
3:00 – 3:50 pm
Using Art to Explore Structure and Function in the Deep Sea
Megan Jacobsen, Tacoma School of the Arts (SOTA)
Matt Lonsdale – Science and Math Institute (SAMi)
Sean Holland
Join us to learn about a unique and dynamic unit where students use art as a tool for demonstrating their understanding of the relationship between structure, function, and the environment in the deep sea.
50-minute workshop
4:00 – 4:50 pm
Salmon and Watershed Curriculum for Elementary Teachers and Students
Nathan Zabel, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)
Do you teach elementary students, or work with classroom teachers? Join the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) to dive into a suite of locally relevant standards-aligned curriculum focused on salmon and their freshwater and marine habitats. This open-source curriculum supports elementary teachers and their students in salmon and watershed education while incorporating NGSS and Since Time Immemorial Standards to provide a holistic learning experience. You will leave this session with access to the curriculum and supporting resources that you can integrate into your programming.
50-minute workshop
Heron
3:00 – 3:50 pm
Accessibility in the outdoors: what’s working for you?
Hanna Jones, Environmental Science Center
Kelly Steffen, Environmental Science Center
Haley Virella-Szwejbka, Environmental Science Center
Join the Environmental Science Center for a conversation about increasing accessibility in outdoor education. During this session, we will share some tools we use in our programs to promote accessibility and invite participants to share what has worked in their programs.
50-minute workshop
4:00 – 4:50 pm
Imagining the Future of the Duwamish River: 5th grade Boat-based Learning in Seattle
Celina Steiger, IslandWood
Louise Prescott, IslandWood
What should the future of the Duwamish River be? On IslandWood’s boat-based field trip, 5th grade students living in the Duwamish Valley imagine the future of Seattle’s only river while learning about its past as both an industrial Superfund site, and a life-giving home for salmon and people. During this session, you will explore the same tools and stories that students experience on the boat, and hear about our partnership-focused approach to program design and delivery as well as our successes and challenges over the past five years of running these trips.
50-minute workshop
Magnolia
3:00 – 4:30 pm
Teaching Ocean Ecology with Hands-on Simulations and Models
Jennifer Wyld, Lupine Community Montessori Charter School
Models and simulations can help illustrate cause-and-effect relationships in nature and are integral to 3D science teaching methods. In this interactive session, engage in inquiry-based, hands-on activities that explore how human-environmental interactions affect the health of ocean habitats. Take part in a role-playing simulation on carrying capacity, an interactive history of ocean use, and a visual demonstration of supply and demand of ocean resources. Learn ways to incorporate these modeling and simulation activities into instruction in classrooms and informal sites. Receive lesson plans and background materials aligned with learning standards for science, social studies and mathematics.
90-minute hands-on experience
4:30 – 5:00 pm
Cultural Connections Interactive Training
Leigh Lubin, Alaska Sea Grant
This session explores key principles for centering Indigenous voices in natural history interpretation while demonstrating how to design engaging online learning experiences. Participants will engage in collaborative learning activities and examine how those same approaches can be adapted for asynchronous environments. Through practical examples, attendees will build their understanding, skills, and confidence in respectfully incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the story of the land, regardless of their own cultural background. Participants will also discover how to design asynchronous activities that foster comprehension, integration, and personal reflection, leading to deeper learning and more meaningful engagement in online settings.
30-minute presentation
