Last month a special group of SeaDoc supporters joined our team for a walk along the shores of Indian Island, accessible by land thanks to a spectacularly low tide! With the Salish Sea shorelines pulled back, we spent the day exploring tide pools, spotting sea stars and crabs, and getting a closer look at the incredible marine life that’s often hidden beneath the surface.

Like our good friend and fish expert Adam Summers over at Friday Harbor Labs has told us, you have to be tough to survive in the intertidal waters. Because of the ever-changing conditions, these species can spend hours under the sea or full days in direct sunlight. Or they could get sloshed about in between the two! Our Science Director Joe Gaydos often shares that message before we respectfully explore the intertidal, always leaving it as we came.

One of the best parts of these gatherings is the chance to spend time outside with the people who help make SeaDoc’s work possible. Conservation is built on science, but it’s also built on community — and there’s something special about sharing moments of curiosity and connection out on the shoreline together. We hold these intimate excursions for our Tidepooler and Wildlifer-level donors. (More info here).

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a beautiful evening by the water and for continuing to support the health of the Salish Sea. And thank you to The Market Chef on San Juan Island for catering the event!

Click through the slideshow above for photos from the walk!