Be A Citizen Scientist

"For most of history, science was something people did as amateurs or hobbyists, but in the 20th century, it became a very specialized profession. Today the doors have been thrown open again. Anyone can be the eyes and ears on the ground, collecting data that even the most sophisticated instruments can’t. ... Citizen science appeals to people’s innate curiosity, and also to their desire to make the world a better place. It adds meaning and value to their hobbies, and gives them a way to contribute to social or environmental causes." ~ Rick Bonney, Cornell University

Friends members and volunteers are a curious and hard working group.  Whether it's attending lectures or interpretive walks, counting species on the beach or birds in the bay, or explaining monitoring techniques to the public, we are curious and dedicated to learning and sharing our enthusiasm about the wonders of the Skagit County marine ecosystems and watersheds.

Engaging in citizen science is what draws many people to Friends educational programs. By supporting volunteer projects and the Skagit Marine Resource Committee's Salish Sea Steward program, Friends of Skagit Beaches is helping to make science literacy and citizen participation happen in our area.

If you're looking to continue learning, work with scientists on their research, or conduct field monitoring to support an organization or agency, there are many opportunities to get involved and satisfy that "innate curiosity" that's under your skin. 

As part of the Salish Sea Stewards training volunteers interested in working on citizen science projects in Skagit County receive introductory classes related to a variety of projects using citizen scientists. Volunteers interested in participating in a specific project have the opportunity to learn more at in-depth training classes both classroom and field training. Check out the following projects and opportunities if this tickles your interest.

Field Monitoring Studies

Volunteers have a wide variety of projects that engage them in collecting data on the beach, in the stream, or through their binoculars and even helping to analyze samples in the laboratory.  Some examples of the citizen science projects you can get involved in are:

. . . and more! 

Learn & Teach

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.                              

                                                                                                         ~ Benjamin Franklin

Our volunteers are a community of learners, who relish opportunities to expand their knowledge and pursue their interests with hands-on volunteer work.

Friends sponsors learning opportunities with high-quality education offerings including:

• The Winter Lecture Series

• Fidalgo Shoreline Academy

• Trail Tales interpretive programs

• Fidalgo BayDay family friendly learning and activities (September 15, 2018!)

One of the places to start getting involved is to participate in the Salish Sea Stewards Training Program

Each spring, the Skagit Marine Resources Committee (MRC) offers a training program for volunteers interested in working on citizen science, education, and stewardship projects in Skagit County.  Volunteers receive 40 hours of training, both classroom and field work, and then give back at least 50 hours of service to the community of marine enviromental partners who need volunteer support. Learn more about upcoming training classes and join a community of learners and doers that share your enthusiasm for our local marine environment. Visit the Skagit Marine Resources Committee website to get contacts and apply.  Class size is limited, so sign up early.

Other Opportunities:

• To Volunteer at the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center - as an aide to the school programs or helping at the front desk: contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Subscribe to the Friends Newsletters for interesting articles and announcements of upcoming activities.

• Volunteer to help with Friends' lectures and events - email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Protect & Restore

“...the care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy and, after all, our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it, and to foster its renewal, is our only legitimate hope.”  ~   Wendell Berry

Friends of Skagit Beaches works closely with volunteers and a number of organizations - both nonprofits and governmental agencies - to protect, restore, and monitor marine habitats in Skagit County.  We have a number of partnerships that promote stewardship of our local natural resources. Here are some examples you may be interested in learning about:

 Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve

Friends Board of Directors and members are actively involved in stewardship of the Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve.  We work closely with the Washington Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Reserves Program and the local Citizens Stewardship Committee to raise public awareness and promote protection of this unique estuarine habitat. Friends also provides support to volunteers conducting intertidal and forage fish surveys on the beaches of the Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve.

Our Trail Tales docents work closely with the field survey volunteers to share information with the public and the excitement of being involved in the business of "citizen science". Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you'd like to know more or get involved.

 Anacortes Baywide Cleanup

 Under the Trail Tales grant from the Washington Department of Ecology's Public Participation Grant program, Friends works closely with their Toxics Cleanup Program to inform and involve Skagit County residents in the major cleanup projects being undertaken as part of the Anacortes Baywide Cleanup.  Our interpretive walks, signs, and special public meetings help Ecology involve locals in the decision process for cleanup of sites along the shoreline of Fidalgo and Padilla Bays and Guemes Channel.  You can learn more at our Trail Tales website. Visit our video page and watch our short documentaries about the cleanup and local natural resources made by student filmmakers.

Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling

Friends provided funding to help local volunteers build receptacles to recycle fishing line and prevent it from becoming plastic waste in our bays.  These recycling containers have been installed around Skagit County at many popular fishing sites and marinas.  Thanks to the creative and hardworking volunteers who made it happen!

Volunteer Opportunities

Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer.  

Sign up for our newsletter or check our Facebook page for volunteer opportunities!

Friends of Skagit Beaches was founded to support marine stewardship volunteers working in Skagit County to protect our shorelines and coastal waters, which continues to be the key focus of our nonprofit work.  

We work with the Skagit Marine Resources Committee and support their Salish Sea Stewards volunteer training program. This stellar program not only educates volunteers about the complex issues that govern the healthy maintenance and monitoring of our local marine environment; the program also gives interested volunteers a hands on look at the citizen science projects that are continually being done along our shorelines. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Salish Sea Stewards program, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. 

There are a number of other volunteer opportunities that do not required participating in this training, such as working as a volunteer at the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center or volunteering to support Friends' community education and outreach projects including the Winter Lecture Series, Trail Tales shoreline interpretive program, Fidalgo Shoreline Academy "day of learning for everyone", and the Fidalgo Bay Day Estuary celebration. 

Project examples include activities such as:

• Forage fish spawning surveys
• Leading interpretive walks
• Intertidal monitoring on the beach
• Assisting with training and continuing education programs
• Volunteering at the Padilla Bay Interpretive Center
• Helping with Padilla Bay school programs
• Beach seining
• Bird counts and surveys
• Organizing and supporting events
• Friends of Skagit Beaches is always looking for help and support for our events.

For more information about volunteering with Friends contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..