A storm of insights on environmental education Thursday opened with comments and a prayer from Swinomish tribal senator Alana Quintasket and counsel on grief and resilience in the face of loss or destruction of treasured spaces from Lindsay Huettman of the Soul Stewards Council.
In its 25th year, Storming the Sound drew around 150 educators and students to La Conner, hailing from Skagit, San Juan, Island, Jefferson and Whatcom counties. With two of its three founders (Susan Wood and Glen “Alex” Alexander, along with Britta Eschete) now retired, organization this year was largely handled by Padilla Bay Natural Estuarine Research Reserve staff. An open brainstorming session focused on ideas for changes in planning future events.
The power of community and networks in reaching new learners was a resonant theme. Topics in 21 sessions covered issues as well as tools and techniques, such as engaging the community through citizen science, presented by Sara Brown of the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, and visualizing climate data as abstract art, by Padilla Bay Reserve staff Annie England, Chandler Colahan and Erin Merklein.
See related stories in the Salish Current:
- “Rebuilding Salish Sea clam gardens, rock by rock,” video [7:14] courtesy Crosscut / KCTS 9, Jan. 22, 2024
- “Storming the Sound for 25 years: what’s next for the grassroots event?” Jan. 18, 2024