Volunteer Training
Immerse Yourself
Become A Beach Watcher
2026’s training will be held:
- M, W, and F from April 13th – May 1st (9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
- M – F the weeks of May 4th and May 11th.
In-Depth Education – Beach Watchers
Interested in protecting the waters & wildlife of Puget Sound?
Become a Beach Watcher! You receive 80 hours of university-caliber instruction through presentations, field trips and hands-on practice. You will immerse yourself in a myriad of topics including:
- Coastal processes
- Marine organism identification
- Water quality conditions
- Public education techniques
- Habitat restoration solutions and so much more!
In return, you volunteer as a citizen scientist, educator, steward and project planner. It’s easy to provide the required 80-hours of volunteering over two years by picking the projects of greatest interest to you.
You don’t need to be an expert to participate – just be interested in Puget Sound issues and be willing share the knowledge you learn with people at local beaches and events throughout Snohomish County.
Become a Beach Naturalist
2026’s training will be held:
- M, W, and F from April 13th – May 1st (9:30 am to 12:30 pm)
Focused Education – Beach Naturalist
Looking for a quick dip into Puget Sound Intertidal Ecology?
Become a Beach Naturalist! Our quick 30-hours of education gives you the skills needed to teach marine life knowledge to school children and beach visitors. We ask that you attend:
- WSU Beach Naturalist virtual training sessions
- Hands on field trips at local beaches.
In return, you volunteer as a Naturalist at Beach Watcher events this summer. To learn about how marine life survives the ever-changing beach environment and how to share your new knowledge with the public.
As with any WSU Snohomish Extension Program, our trainings are open and accessible to all interested participants without discrimination.
Still have questions? Please send your lingering questions to jonathan.w.robinson@wsu.edu