Header Image of Semiahmoo at Low Tide with Text saying Spring 2024 - Salish Sea Institute

Photo of Semiahmoo at low tide courtesy of Ginny Broadhurst

Strategies for Countering Climate Doomism

A photograph of Elin Kelsey working with a group of students

Photo courtesy of Ginny Broadhurst

We were delighted to host Elin Kelsey, one of our Salish Sea Fellows, March 4-6^th at WWU to learn from her about Evidence-Based Hope specifically aimed at “combating climate doomism”. Elin spoke at a climate class, had lunch with students, provided a hybrid talk and met community members at a local brewery. Given the popularity of her talks and feedback from students, we know this is an important topic and will continue to focus on Hope for the Salish Sea in upcoming events.

New Program Coordinator: Sky Bressette

We’re thrilled to welcome Sky Bressette as the part-time Program Coordinator for the Institute. Sky is a WWU graduate with a triple major (Geography/Social Studies, Ethnoecology, and Canadian/ American Studies) and minors in Environmental Science, Anthropology, and Salish Sea Studies. Sky was among the first students to enroll in and complete the Salish Sea minor! His work with the City of Bellingham has given him outreach and event coordination experience. He brings deep knowledge of computer systems and administrative tools as well as a strong passion for protecting the Salish Sea.

Photo courtesy of Sky Bressette

WWU’s Salish Sea Studies minor by the Numbers

A graphic displaying facts about the Salish Sea Minor: There are currently 46 students enrolledm, 39% increase in enrolled students since last fall, and 31 total students graduated

There’s been a huge uptick in students enrolling in the minor and we anticipate seeing several more graduate this spring!

The Washington Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC)

Salish Sea Institute Director Ginny Broadhurst participated in a panel with colleagues Laurie Trautman and Aquila Flower focusing on the Salish Sea region at WOHESC. The Conference was at WWU, coordinated by the Sustainability and Engagement Institute. It brought together about 400 people from higher education to share knowledge and experience with environmental sustainability with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as hopefulness. Our Salish Sea Fellow, Elin Kelsey gave a keynote address.

Photo of The Washington Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference

Photo courtesy of WOHESC

Earth Day Community Work Party

A photograph of volunteers sitting on a freshly mulched hillside at Maritime Heritage Park in Bellingham

Photo courtesy of The City of Bellingham

Pre-Register Now!

Salish Sea Institute is teaming up with the City of Bellingham to celebrate Earth Day in a meaningful way. Join us at the City’s annual Earth Day Community Work Party on Saturday, April 20th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Together, we will remove invasive species to improve water quality and wildlife habitat near the Squalicum Creek Re-route project. This important ecological restoration project was constructed in 2020 to benefit salmon and other native species.