Morning field experiences are included with Full Conference and Single Day registrations, however, some trips may incur additional cost. Guests will be able to join field experiences if space is still available at the time of the conference and will need to pay a $10 fee for each experience (in addition to any extra fee for the kayaking trip, if applicable).

Friday, July 25

Kayaking at Beaver Creek (+$30)

7:00 – 11:00 am

Join Denise Harrington for a leisurely kayak trip in the wetlands of Beaver Creek. The conference van will leave from HMSC at 7:00 am (or paddlers can meet at Ona Beach State Park at 7:30 am) and return to HMSC at 11:00 am (in time to get to OCCC for lunch at noon). Denise will share examples of how she uses kayaking as an educational tool. This kayak trip is good for everyone from first time kayakers to the very experienced.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, fleece, poly, or wool, and a waterproof layer.

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to carry, sit in, launch, paddle, and disembark from a kayak.

Limit 14 participants.

Clamming at Yaquina Bay [Cancelled]

7:00 – 10:00 am

Join Bill Hanshumaker for a morning of clamming at Yaquina Bay Estuary. Equipment will be supplied by the education department of the Oregon Coast Aquarium, but we recommend participants wear rubber boots or shoes that can get dirty and dress in layers. 

Each participant will need to purchase their own clamming permit prior to the trip at a cost of $10 resident/ $28 non-resident. Please see the ODFW website to purchase your permit on-line. (Please note, in Oregon, the daily limit for bay clams, which includes cockles, is 20 in aggregate, with only 12 of those being gaper clams. This means you can take up to 20 clams of any type, including butter, littleneck, gaper, and cockle clams, but no more than 12 of those can be gaper clams.) There will be access to a vacuum sealer for your catch. 

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to stand and walk on soft, muddy sediments for several hours and carry a bucket and clamming shovel.

Tidepooling at Otter Rock Marine Reserve

7:00 – 10:00 am

In 2012, Otter Rock became one of the first two marine reserves implemented. Despite being the smallest marine reserve at 1.2 square miles, Otter Rock Marine Reserve has a rich diversity of marine life and provides many opportunities for scientific research, public outreach and education, and community engagement programs. High school interns are hired for the summer as interpreters. Sign up to learn more about this amazing space and program.  

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to navigate the trail to the marine gardens, which is steep and challenging. There is a staircase at the north end of the beach that may be more manageable for participants with mobility issues.

Estuary Investigation at Yaquina Bay Estuary

9:00 – 11:00 am

Join the Oregon Sea Grant Marine Education team for a two-hour estuary exploration experience on the Yaquina Bay Estuary, located adjacent to the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Participants will holistically explore the estuarine ecosystem as they learn how to identify different zones, plants, burrowing species, birds and more. We will use slurpers to dig for burrowing shrimp and clams, as well as spotting scopes, ID guides, and binoculars to get a closer look at the birds inhabiting this dynamic space. 

We will be outdoors on our nearby mudflat the whole time; therefore, participants should wear rubber boots or shoes that can get dirty and bring a jacket, hat, and sunscreen, as weather can change quickly on the Oregon Coast. 

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to stand and walk on soft, muddy sediments for part of the program.

Behind the Scenes at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

9:00 – 10:00 am

How does the Aquarium care for a swarm of stinging jellies and dozens of toothy sharks? Travel behind the scenes with us to explore the ins and outs of caring for over 15,000 animals every day. Meet at the Aquarium entrance at 9:00 am for a 1-hour tour before the aquarium opens to the public!

Accessibility requirements: None.

Limit 15 participants.

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Saturday, July 26

PNW Seaweeds at Seal Rock

7:00 – 10:00 am

Seaweeds are often overlooked and under-appreciated. The Oregon Coast is home to an abundant and diverse selection of seaweeds, and in fact, the PNW has more kelp species than anywhere else on earth! Look into the intricate and distinctive patterns that make up each group. Learn how seaweed is classified as well as how to identify a few local edible species. Chat about sustainable seaweed aquaculture practices, kelp restoration, and other macroalgal climate solutions.

Please wear appropriate footgear (e.g. tennis shoes, rain boots, or other hiking footwear). Whatever you don’t mind getting wet, that will also keep your feet stable. For your own safety and comfort, do not wear flip flops or sandals. Do keep in mind your feet are likely to be in the water at some point, so rain boots are what I would strongly recommend.

Accessibility requirements: Must be able to walk down the paved hill to the beach and navigate a short stretch of rocks to get to the sand.

Tidepooling at Cape Perpetua

7:00 – 10:00 am

Join the Tidepool Ambassadors of Cape Perpetua Collaborative to explore the amazing tidepools, learn about the marine bird protected area and additional information regarding our largest marine reserve and the amazing connection to the coastal forest.

Please wear appropriate footgear (e.g. tennis shoes, rain boots, or other hiking footwear).

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to walk over loose cobble and/or uneven basalt rock. 

Hike in Oregon’s Coastal Forest

7:00 – 10:00 am

Join us for a guided hike at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center. Yakona stewards 450 acres on the Yaquina River just inland from Oregon Coast Community College. Learn about our educational programs, restoration efforts, and the history of the land going back to the Yaqo’n/Siletz people. To learn more, check out our website at yakonaoregon.org.

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to hike approximately three miles on well-established trails and experience elevation loss/gain of 250-300’ multiple times. Bring water, but no pets. Long sleeves and pants are recommended.

Limit 25 participants.

Kayaking at Beaver Creek (+$20)

7:00 – 10:30 am

Join Denise Harrington for a shortened kayak trip in the wetlands of Beaver Creek. The conference van will leave from HMSC at 7:00 am (or paddlers can meet at Ona Beach State Park at 7:30 am) and return to HMSC at 10:30 am (in time to get to OCCC by 11:00 am for the plenary session). Denise will share examples of how she uses kayaking as an educational tool. This kayak trip is good for everyone from first time kayakers to the very experienced.

Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, fleece, poly, or wool, and a waterproof layer.

Accessibility requirements: Participants must be able to launch, sit in, paddle, and disembark from a kayak.

Limit 14 participants.

Behind the Scenes at the Oregon Coast Aquarium

9:00 – 10:00 am

How does the Aquarium care for a swarm of stinging jellies and dozens of toothy sharks? Travel behind the scenes with us to explore the ins and outs of caring for over 15,000 animals every day. Meet at the Aquarium entrance at 9:00 am for a 1-hour tour before the aquarium opens to the public!

Accessibility requirements: None.

Limit 15 participants.

Plenary Session #1 • Saturday, July 26 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Plenary Session #2 • Sunday, July 27 • 9:00 – 10:00 am

Taylor Chapple, Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center

Shark Infested Waters: Why That’s a Good Thing

Sharks are an iconic global species with a reputation often based on fiction. Dr Chapple from the Big Fish Lab at Oregon State University, the leading shark research lab in the Pacific Northwest, has studied sharks for over 20 years. He will share the BFL’s research on sharks in the Pacific Northwest and around the globe, replacing fiction with fact.

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Concurrent Session #1 • Friday, July 25 • 1:00 – 2:00 pm (50 min sessions)

Cedar and Sea: How to take our concepts to the classroom

Eli Schenk, Field Educator, Columbia River Maritime Museum

The Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon has a bustling education program, sharing knowledge and stories to all ages, on and off campus. The Museum In The Schools outreach program takes museum-related STEAM subjects into K-5th grade classrooms across 9 counties in Oregon and Washington.

This last school year, we were spotlighting our new Native-American exhibits, “Cedar and Sea” and “This Is Our Place” with a new program about Western Red Cedar trees and their connections with people and nature, both on shore and in the water.

Join Eli Schenk (Field Educator) for an interactive presentation on this amazing tree, how it affects our climate, and how climates are affecting it.

Note: If you are allergic to Western Red Cedar, this presentation exposes visitors to freshly-sanded wooden blocks of Western Red Cedar.

Education: Forest to Sea

Decoding Coastal Change: A Hands-On Look at Climate Impacts Through Data

Heather Armstrong, STEAM Integration Specialist, Southern Oregon STE(A)M Hub / SOESD
Emily Coleman, STEAM Integration Specialist, Southern Oregon STE(A)M Hub/ SOESD

How is climate change transforming our coastal environments—and how can students use data to understand these changes for themselves? In this interactive, hands-on workshop, we’ll dive into visual datasets that reveal the story of a changing coastline. Educators will explore strategies for helping students analyze and interpret visual data related to climate impacts on coastal dynamics. From shifting habitats to changing ocean conditions, we’ll focus on how to engage learners in making sense of complex environmental changes through graphs, maps, and other place-based visualizations. Working in small groups, participants will explore sample datasets that reflect real-world environmental changes—such as rising temperatures, sea level shifts, altered precipitation patterns, or species range movements—and practice a step-by-step process for:

• Observing and describing key patterns and trends
• Interpreting what those patterns might mean in an ecological or climate context
• Communicating findings through clear, evidence-based explanations

Together, we’ll discuss how these data reasoning skills support students’ climate literacy, data fluency, and critical thinking across disciplines—from science and environmental studies to writing and social science. While the focus will be on coastal systems in the Pacific Northwest, the strategies can be adapted to a wide range of learning environments and age groups.

This session is ideal for both classroom and outdoor educators of grades 3-6 who want to bring real-world relevance into the classroom and empower students to connect local observations with global climate conversations. Whether you work in schools, nature centers, field programs, or after-school settings, you’ll explore strategies for helping students connect local observations to broader climate conversations—bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor learning experiences.

STEAM Education

Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade

Teresa Kennedy, Professor, STEM Education and Oceanography, University of Texas at Tyler
Josh Searle, Ardi Kveven, Everett Community College
Greg Barord,
Jennifer Magnusson, GO-BGC

“Ocean Literacy: The Foundation for the Success of the Ocean Decade” is a three-volume series dedicated to enhancing global understanding and sustainable engagement with the Ocean. Recognized as an Endorsed Ocean Decade Activity by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission at UNESCO, this series is scheduled to be published in 2025 by Springer Nature and builds on two foundational publications: Restoring Society’s Relationship with the Ocean: The Challenge 10 White Paper (Glithero et al., 2024) and the Ocean Decade Manual for Non-Governmental Organizations (Kennedy et al., 2024).

Each volume uniquely addresses critical aspects of Ocean Literacy:

• Volume I: Transforming Education, Research, and Engagement establishes the groundwork for Ocean Literacy in formal and informal education, providing essential strategies and knowledge for educators, learners, researchers, and policymakers (21 chapters; 90 authors; 19 countries, including 9 U.S. states).
• Volume II: Fostering Community, the Blue Economy, and the Arts explores community initiatives, economic strategies, and creative arts as powerful tools for sustainable Ocean engagement (21 chapters; 57 authors; 19 countries, including 8 U.S. states and Washington, D.C.).
• Volume III: Accelerating Communication, Technology, and Global Initiatives highlights technological solutions, innovative communication methods, and international collaboration to advance Ocean Literacy globally (21 chapters; 117 authors; 25 countries, including 7 U.S. states).

All chapters provide clear findings, actionable recommendations, and extensive resources. Collectively, they address the Ocean Decade’s societal outcomes and challenges, effectively bridging scientific insights, public awareness, and practical action. Contributions from 248 unique authors from 41 countries were rigorously reviewed by over 75 international experts through a double-blind peer-review process, ensuring high academic standards. This diversity underscores a global commitment to nurturing an informed, Ocean-literate society.

This presentation highlights key insights from the three-volume series, with selected authors showcasing strategies in education, community engagement, technological innovation, and global collaboration to support the UN Ocean Decade goals.

Advocacy and Outreach

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Concurrent Session #2 • Friday, July 25 • 3:00 – 4:00 pm (50 min sessions)

Multi-disciplinary Salmon Education in the Outdoors

Nathan Zabel, Education Program Manager, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA)

Do you teach about salmon, aquatic environments, or watersheds? Join the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) in this interactive session, where participants will put themselves into the “fins” of salmon and model their lifecycle through an engaging outdoor activity called “Hooks and Ladders.” This activity connects to a larger suite of NSEA curriculum that will be made available to participants and embraces multiple disciplines and standards, drawing connections to science and the Next Generation Science Standards, mathematics, creative writing, and the John McCoy Since Time Immemorial Standards. This activity will be done outside, and participants will gain skills and resources to teach students outdoors while also uncovering the benefits of outdoor play and learning, and how this can lead to increased engagement. The session will have room for collaboration, culminating in a chance for participants to discuss related knowledge, resources, or opportunities to collaborate.

Education: Forest to Sea

Bringing Back Oregon Sea Otters

Chanel Hason, Director of Outreach & Community Relations for Elakha Alliance

Join Chanel Hason, Director of Outreach and Community Relations for the Elakha Alliance, for an engaging presentation about the organization’s efforts to restore sea otters to the Oregon coast. Discover how these charismatic marine mammals are vital to the health of our coastal ecosystems, the history behind their disappearance, and the collaborative work being done to bring them back.

Education: Forest to Sea

Nature Journaling at Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center

Anna Rogers, Education Director, Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center
Natalie Schaefer, Executive Director, Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center

Nature Journaling is a powerful teaching method that integrates science, writing, math, art, and social emotional learning. Engage in a nature journaling lesson where you make scientific observations, ask questions, and draw connections across disciplines. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear about Yakona Nature Preserve & Learning Center, a 450-acre nature preserve on the Yaquina River that promotes education while working to restore coastal forest habitat. Yakona uses nature journaling in all of its elementary and middle school field trips. Limited to 20 participants.

STEAM Education

Marine Debris Interruptions: Students find solutions to prevent trash in the ocean

Cait Goodwin, Special Projects Coordinator, Oregon Sea Grant

Have you ever found a piece of plastic litter on the beach and wondered what it is and where it came from? In this session, Oregon Sea Grant will share free 5E lessons that help students in grade 4 and up learn the life story of select types of marine debris. Focusing on one marine debris object commonly found on Oregon beaches, the students research its original purpose, user, and life cycle, and then propose targeted solutions that will prevent that item from ending up as trash in the ocean. Join us as we sort mysterious debris items, explore data, and brainstorm solutions!

Advocacy and Outreach

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Concurrent Session #3 • Saturday, July 26 • 1:30 – 2:00 pm (30 min sessions)

Teach high school students STEM through the lens of the ocean

Lindsey Carroll, Marine Education Coordinator, Oregon Sea Grant/ Oregon State University
Keenan Sanderson, Head Coach, Ketchikan National Ocean Science Bowl, Tsunami Bowl

Are you a high school teacher looking for a fun and creative way to teach students marine science, geology, geography, biology, chemistry, or math? Are you interested in offering students the chance to practice essential workforce development skills, including team work, communication, adaptability, resiliency, problem-solving, and more? Consider forming a team to compete in the National Ocean Science Bowl (NOSB), an academic competition that promotes STEM literacy using the ocean as a teaching tool. During this session, a regional coordinator from the Salmon Bowl (Oregon’s Regional Bowl) and a coach from the Tsunami Bowl (Alaska’s Regional Bowl) will introduce the NOSB and share how participation can help educators meet science education standards, encourage excitement and enthusiasm for ocean literacy and stewardship, as well as increase student exposure to a variety of professionals working in STEM careers. Presenters will share the essentials about team formation and offer critical training resources and guides for new teams and coaches to utilize as they get started. Then, to finish off the session, participants will be quizzed on their ocean science knowledge as we simulate real NOSB gameplay.

Education: Forest to Sea

Improving access to ocean and coastal data: How the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems serves the Pacific Northwest

Rachel Wold, NANOOS Education and Outreach, University of Washington, Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS)

The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS), the regional association of U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (U.S. IOOS) for the Pacific Northwest, developed its NANOOS Visualization System (http://nvs.nanoos.org/) to provide 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.

STEAM Education

How collaboration is changing the story of plastic in Yaquina Bay oyster farms

Sarah Wolf, Surfrider Foundation – Oregon Chapter

Join Dr. Sarah Wolf to explore how the Surfrider Foundation, Oregon Sea Grant, and Oregon Oyster Farms are addressing plastic pollution from oyster farming—a practice historically dependent on materials like polystyrene, yellow rope, mesh bags, and more. This session highlights a success story of how strong community partnerships can create lasting change, even when policy falls short. Hear valuable lessons learned from building stakeholder relationships, testing innovative materials, and hosting community events that bridged gaps to protect coastal ecosystems, local businesses, and coastal communities. Learn more : https://oregon.surfrider.org/yaquina-bay-aquaculture-debris-project

Advocacy and Outreach

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Concurrent Session #4 • Saturday, July 26 • 2:15 – 2:45 pm (30 min sessions)

Working Waters: Live Tank Tech Training & Seafood Butchery

Maggie Michaels, Education & Food Systems Consultant, Oregon Coast Visitors Association/Oregon Ocean Cluster
Marcus Hinz, Director, Oregon Coast Visitors Association

This session introduces educators to the pilot programs we have completed in Seafood Butchery and Live Tank Tech training. Our goal is to talk less and show more about what these programs look like in classrooms, including giving attendees time to browse some of the online portions of supportive curriculums we have co-created with industry experts and educators. We’ll also take time to answer educators’ questions about integrating these projects into their scope and sequence and clarify the next steps for those who want to dive in deeper.

Education: Forest to Sea

The Plight of the Albatross:  Creating Connections to Encourage Environmental Stewardship

Melissa Kilgore, Biology Faculty, Lane Community College

This presentation examines two labs developed for a non-majors, 100-level biology course but can be modified and adapted to fit other levels of education. The first lab introduces students to albatross, their life history, and migratory patterns. Students utilize a tracking data portal to examine albatross flight and feeding patterns. The lab focuses on primary productivity and how far albatross travel to feed their offspring. The second lab introduces students to albatross boluses and the Great Garbage Patch to encourage students to connect their lives to the garbage in the Pacific Ocean. Students complete basic data quantification to look for patterns of garbage components in an albatross bolus. The exercises scaffold to build connections beginning with albatross trying to feed their offspring and ending with the impact of how our plastic entering the ocean contributes to the ultimate plight of the albatross. Discussions will focus on modifying and expanding the labs for different audiences. Handouts of the labs will be provided to participants.

STEAM Education

Explore creative outreach strategies that make an impact for the ocean and communities: 25 years of community education

Kendra Nelson, Communication Manager, SeaChange Marine Conservation Society

Public education through outreach is an essential tool for communicating research and conservation work. However, it can be a challenge to come up with engaging outreach programs and materials, especially now with social media as another avenue to reach the public. Effective communication strategies that encompass both online and in-person opportunities are the key to making the most impact. SeaChange Marine Conservation Society uses a multi-faceted approach to educate and engage community members with marine science and conservation work. Through collaboration with artists, municipalities, First Nations, and other organizations, we broaden our reach to increase our educational impact. From creating online infographics, hosting events, leading outdoor educational programs, creating informative conservation signage, and installing educational displays, there are so many creative ways to increase awareness for the marine world! Join this presentation to learn some of the strategies SeaChange employs for community outreach.

Advocacy and Outreach

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Concurrent Session #5 • Saturday, July 26 • 3:00 – 4:00 pm (50 min sessions)

The Story of Life as Told by Water

Kathy Chambliss, Education Coordinator, Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative

The Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a thriving and sustainable future for the Cascade Head Biosphere Region on the Oregon Coast. As part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program, the Collaborative brings together scientists, artists, educators, and local communities to advance environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism, and climate resilience. Through research, education, and creative engagement, the Collaborative works to ensure that nature has rights, art illuminates science, and research drives action to protect and sustain this unique coastal ecosystem.

In this presentation, we’ll share an overview of the three Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) we offer to local youth in first/second grades, third/fourth grades, and fifth/sixth grades. Our programs, collectively known as The Story of Life as Told by Water, support learning goals by bringing the outside world into the classroom with engaging videos to spark inspiration, and hands-on activities to build knowledge and encourage further inquiry. Each program culminates with an unforgettable day in the field for students, teachers, and parents at the incredible UNESCO Cascade Head Biosphere Region. These place-based programs that unfold throughout a child’s elementary education offer them the opportunity to develop deeply connected relationships with Place—their Place on the planet— and inspire an ethic of lifelong stewardship. This presentation will wrap up with the opportunity for participants in this workshop to make their own small Gyotaku print, a signature activity we complete with all of our students to commemorate their connections to the unique plants and creatures with whom we share our watery world.

Education: Forest to Sea

Trailcams, Drones and Hydrophones Oh My!

Ardi Kveven, Executive Director, Ocean Research College Academy/Everett Community College
Josh Searle, Research Facilitator, Ocean Research College Academy

Come learn about how the Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA) engages students in collecting data from the forest to the sea. Join ORCA founders Ardi Kveven and Josh Searle as they share how they use a variety of tools to facilitate student questions about their place (the Salish Sea). From tracking river otters in the estuary with trail cameras to flying a drone over gray whale feeding pits and tracking the soundscape of the estuary, ORCA students utilize a variety of software tools (Rstudio, ArcGIS and Ravenpro) to create visualizations of big data streams. We will share how we facilitate student questions, support students with technological tools and provide opportunities for them to share their work with a broader audience.

STEAM Education

Whole Being Teaching with Camp-In-A-Box

Leigh Lubin, Marine Education Specialist, Alaska Sea Grant

Coastal Connections Camp (CCC) is a Camp-In-A-Box model that trains community leaders to lead high quality summer programming. CCC follows a Whole Being Teaching concept that meets the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of middle school youth. The week-long experience creates connections to place, self, and peers all while building science, critical thinking, confidence, and local understanding. Each day includes outdoor exploration, hands-on science, art, team building, and personal resilience skills. It’s exhilarating, exhausting, and it establishes a deep connection to coastal environments. (Can be adapted to the first week of the school year.)

Advocacy and Outreach

Become a 2025 Conference Sponsor

Your sponsorship will positively impact our community and help provide educators with inspiring curriculum, hands-on experiences and life-changing learning.

The Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) annual conference will be held in Newport, OR on July 24-27,2025. Each year this conference immerses educators from Oregon, Washington, Alaska and British Columbia in hands-on, engaging lessons focused on freshwater and marine ecosystems. This year, Newport, OR will be our home base and through the theme of Aquatic Science Extravaganza: Outdoor Explorations from the Forest to the Sea!, we will explore the geologic and indigenous history of the area, tide pools, dunes, the bay and coastal forest, discover new curriculum opportunities for students of various levels and to share experiences and curriculum. Field experiences each day will offer opportunities for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, crabbing, clamming, hiking, and playing in the dunes. Evening activities will bring camaraderie and music, and our fabulous gala is being hosted by the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

This event is organized locally, and we are requesting sponsorships from our community in a variety of forms:

• Auction items for our annual Gala
• Cash donations for scholarships for underserved or participants in need
• Food donations

Help support communities of life-long learners who care about our aquatic world! Your donations & sponsorships will be used to:

• Provide unique learning & leadership opportunities for students and educators;
• Promote understanding of ocean literacy and sustainable ecosystems;
• Support and empower a diverse network of water-wise students and educators;
• Provide conference scholarships to ensure equal access to this amazing learning experience

The Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) is a “family” of educators passionate about oceans and watersheds founded in 1976. NAME includes members from Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. Annual NAME conferences rotate through these states and the province. In addition, each state or province offers local professional development opportunities for formal and non-formal educators throughout the year.

Thank you for considering a sponsorship for NAME’s annual conference Aquatic Science Extravaganza: Outdoor Explorations from the Forest to the Sea! Below are sponsorship forms and levels to help us meet our fundraising goals. NAME is a 501c(3) organization and our tax ID number is 68-0622053. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

If you have any questions please contact Fawn Custer at 541.270.0027 or scholarships@pacname.org

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Sponsorship Levels

Orca—$2000+

• Two complimentary conference registrations
• Option to sponsor a session
• Complimentary SeaFaire exhibitor table
• Sponsor logo prominently featured on social media, website, and conference program

Salmon—$1000-$1999

• One complimentary conference registration
• Complimentary SeaFaire exhibitor table
• Sponsor logo prominently featured on social media, website, and conference program

Octopus—$500-$999

• One discounted conference registration
• Complimentary SeaFaire exhibitor table
• Sponsor logo displayed on conference website and program

Anemone—$250-$499

• Complimentary SeaFaire exhibitor table
• Sponsor logo displayed on conference website

Access for All—$200

• Sponsor any number of conference registrations for youth, Indigenous community members, or other educators to attend the conference free of charge
• Sponsor logo displayed on conference website

Download the 2025 Sponsor Letter or Flyer to share