Field Trips

2015 Field Trips • Wednesday, July 22

1. IslandWood “School in the Woods” and Urban Programs
Cost: $40 (~8 hours)
Transportation: Included
Start the day with a relaxing ferry ride from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island. During a walkabout of IslandWood’s 255-acre “School in the Woods” campus, you’ll visit a bog, a cattail marsh, a pond, and enjoy a birds-eye view of the ravine and forest from the suspension bridge.  Learn about the sustainable elements of campus buildings, the scope of IslandWood’s education programming, and their Diversity and Inclusion Initiative.  After lunch, its back to Seattle to learn about IslandWood’s Urban Programs and you’ll be the student in the Land & Water program at Thornton Creek.  (Notes: The morning walk is moderate with possible mud, steep hills, and gravel.  Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing as most of this trip will be outdoors.)

2. Hibulb Cultural Center: Blending Traditional Knowledge and Western Science
Cost: $40 (4-6 hours)
Transportation: Included
The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve will introduce you to the legacy of the Tulalip people. After a guided tour, you’ll have time to explore their new exhibit Roots of Wisdom.  From restoring ecosystems to rediscovering traditional foods and crafts, the exhibit invites guests to understand the important issues facing indigenous communities, discover innovative ways native peoples are overcoming obstacles, and take part in the growing movement towards sustainability and the reclamation of age-old practices.  (This trip may also include a visit to a local wetland restoration project.)

3. Kayak Tour of Duwamish River and Superfund Clean Up Site
Cost: $45 (~4 hours)
Transportation: Included
Kayaking is a great way to see and experience Seattle’s industrial river up close. Join staff from the Duwamish River Clean Up Coalition on a two hour paddle where you’ll learn about the natural and human history of the river, the Superfund site, environmental health and (in)justice, and community activism. You’ll be able to see amazing views of Mt. Rainier (weather permitting), habitat restoration sites, important archaeological sites, watchable wildlife (including summer nesting ospreys, seals, sea lions, river otters and shore birds).

4. Lake Union Kayak Patrol and Marine Debris Clean Up—CANCELLED
Lake Union is a freshwater lake located entirely within the Seattle city limits. Its proximity to downtown and scenic views of Seattle make it a popular recreational spot. 
Help protect and preserve this urban waterway by participating in Puget Soundkeeper’s weekly kayak patrol. You’ll learn more about their efforts to protect marine waters of Puget Sound while you are paddling through Lake Union picking up trash and keeping an eye out for pollution violations.  Double kayaks are outfitted with trash bags, grabbers, and nets for scooping debris from the water. While you are paddling along, you’ll be able to see the city skyline, houseboats, float planes, and urban wildlife. No prior kayak experience is required.
** Could combine with Ballard Locks Trip

5. NOAA Western Regional Center Tour—CANCELLED
Seattle is home to the largest NOAA campus outside the agency’s headquarters in Silver Spring, MD.  Visit NOAA’s “Sandpoint” campus, which occupies 100 acres along the shoreline of Lake Washington and is home to many divisions within NOAA such as National Weather Service, NOAA Fisheries, the Pacific Marine Environmental Lab and NOAA Diver Center.  Engage with NOAA Scientists and tour some of their labs, including a hands-on tour of the National Marine Mammal Lab’s Scientific Bone Collection (killer whale skulls, gray whale bones, seal pelts).
(Notes: Access to the NOAA campus requires one of the following forms of identification (enhanced WA Driver’s license, U.S. Passport, or others). 
BC Folks- If you want to go on this trip, email Casey.Ralston@noaa.gov ASAP (no later than June 1st) to indicate your interest and we’ll try to arrange it. 

6. University of Washington Lab Tour Adventure
Cost: Free (3-4 hours, in the morning)
Transportation: n/a
Discover some of the best kept secrets of the School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences and the School of Oceanography during this half-day excursion of behind-the-scenes UW lab tours. Explore the largest fish collection this side of the Mississippi, learn what seabirds can tell us about the health of our oceans, and take a hands-on approach to understanding estuarine water circulation in this series of mini tours.  We will visit the Coastal Observation And Seabird Survey Team (COASST) Lab, the UW Fish Collection, and the Puget Sound Model.
** Could combine with Ballard Locks Trip

7. Ballard Locks Tour and Salmon Viewing
Cost: Free (2-3 hours, in afternoon)
Transportation: Carpool, Bike or City bus (TBD)
Join us for a guided tour of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and Hiram M. Chittenden Locks which were built in 1917 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to connect the waters of Lake Washington, Lake Union, and Salmon Bay to the tidal waters of Puget Sound. The canal and locks allow recreational and commercial vessels to travel to the docks and warehouses of Seattle's busy fresh water harbor.  It’s also prime time for salmon-viewing in the fish ladder.
** Could combine with Lake Union Kayak Patrol or UW Fish Collection Tour