Visit Padilla Bay with your group

Out of an abundance of caution, we do not anticipate offering on-site education programs before summer 2021. We are currently offering live online programs.

Whether you are a classroom teacher, a scout leader, home school group, or community group, Padilla Bay educators look forward to providing a program to meet your needs. Our programs focus on estuary ecology, healthy watersheds, and how our actions and decisions affect the Salish Sea.

We want everyone to stay safe and healthy, and appreciate your understanding.

Scheduling considerations

We are currently scheduling the following virtual programs: plankton, aquarium tour, mudflat safari/eelgrass exploration, and beach seine.
To schedule your group and get answers to your questions, please email Madi McKay at madison.mckay@ecy.wa.gov

School bus unloading children at Padilla Bay. — School bus unloading children for a visit at Padilla Bay.

Overview of group programs at Padilla Bay

Grades 4 through 8

Our full-day program (3 to 5 hours) includes a brief introduction to estuaries and the Salish Sea, exploring Padilla Bay's mud flats, plankton viewing, tour of the exhibits and a "chalk talk" presentation of human interactions with estuary resources.
A shorter indoor program is also available, and includes an hour-long presentation and time to tour the exhibits and aquarium.
Estuary Guide Level 2 - Classroom activities and a detailed description of this program

High School and college

For high school and college groups, we offer time exploring the beach, marine biology presentations, discussions about current scientific research and coastal and marine issues, an introduction to ocean acidification and climate change, and the opportunity for microscopic studies. We also have resources to help your students get the most out of our interpretive exhibits and aquarium.
We are happy to tailor the program to meet your educational objectives.
Estuary Guide Level 3 - Student readings with content questions, student activities, and resources such as a field guide to animals found on Padilla Bay's beach.

Other groups

Senior and adult programs can be designed to fit your needs. We can provide everything from a brief introduction to our reserve and programs to an in-depth look at current research and issues.
We welcome summer and after-school youth programs with a minimum of 10 participants. Our informal Mudflat Safari is a 2 hour program that includes a tour of our exhibits, followed by a beach exploration.

Padilla Bay's Estuary Guide curriculum books

Teacher resources

Download our Estuary Guide curriculum and see our favorite resources for teaching about estuaries and coastal issues.

Contact information

Susan Wood
Education Coordinator
susan.wood@ecy.wa.gov
360-428-1066

Were you able to find what you were looking for today?*:	Yes No Not sure
What were you trying to find?*:
Please describe your experience. What was challenging? What was helpful? *:	Please include details that will help us address any issues you're reporting.
Was the search tool helpful to you? *:	Yes No I didn't use Search.
How can we improve our website?:	Optional. If you have suggestions, we'd like to hear them!
Your name:	Please include contact information if you'd like a reply.
Email:	If you’d like a reply, please provide an email address.
Phone number:	( ) - Second three digits Last four digits If you’d like us to call you, please provide a phone number.
Which best describes your role in visiting our site today?*:	Business / Consultant / Contractor Government - Local Government - State Government - Federal Government - Tribal Scientist / Researcher Non-profit Citizen / Resident / Public Educator Student Job seeker Ecology employee
PleaseLeaveBlank:	Are you a robot? If not, please do not enter anything in this field.
	ignore
	ignore