Since 1994, this course has been presenting an overview of the natural history of the San Juan Islands and the inland marine waters of Washington State and Southern British Columbia, known as the Salish Sea. The course includes an in-depth treatment of the ecology and conservation of local marine species. The information is presented with a mix of lectures, field trips, and hands-on learning. Instructors are highly trained naturalists, regional environmental educators, and scientists. The objective of this training is to provide a learning experience that assists the adult graduate to be qualified regionally as a professional or volunteer naturalist. Continuing Education credits through Western Washington University are available with advance arrangement. There are no prerequisites for acceptance into the program, other than high school graduation and a sincere interest to learn the material. In order to become certified an additional ten-hour practicum is required with The Whale Museum. This may be arranged during training.

The Pacific Whale Watch Association endorses this course for Naturalist Certification and some whale watch companies look for graduates of the course when hiring. Completion of this program entitles you to become a member of the Salish Sea Association of Marine Naturalists (SSAMN), a professional naturalist association formed in 2008.

Spring Classes are typically held weekly for six dates on Saturdays and Sundays with a boat-based marine field trip on the last day.

Lectures are typically held in classrooms or meeting spaces on San Juan and Orcas Islands. Field trips will take place at The Whale Museum (62 First St. N. Friday Harbor), and various field locations around the San Juan Islands.

Directions from the ferry landing:
The Whale Museum: Go one block up Spring Street to First Street, turn right, proceed one and a half blocks to the Museum. (Classroom locations: tba)

How much does it cost?

The tuition is $375 and includes the five sessions, the marine field trip, an orca adoption, and all class materials plus an Orca Adoption and membership in The Whale Museum. A minimum $175 deposit must be paid at the time of registration to ensure your space in the program. The remainder of the tuition ($200) is due on or before the first day of the program. Full payment is also accepted at the time of registration (please see the refund policy below). Registered participants may purchase optional books from the Museum store at a 15% discount during the training. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

The $175 deposit fee is refundable if you cancel 2 weeks before the start of the program. After that, it is refundable if you cancel and your space in the program can be replaced with a student from a waiting list. The Whale Museum reserves the right to cancel any program. If the program is canceled by the Museum, a full refund will be issued to you.

You will take field trips to San Juan Island and Orcas Island parks, waters and shorelines. You should be dressed for a variety of conditions including wind, cold, rain, and sun. On field trip days, we suggest you also bring:

• a sack lunch and water
• camera
• binoculars
• field guides

Transportation is provided by The Whale Museum; therefore it is not necessary to bring your car to the island. Parking is available at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal for a fee. Please contact Washington State Ferries for details at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. Carpooling is encouraged to the Anacortes ferry and we can help get you in touch with other students for that purpose if you wish.

Registration materials are available now. Applications are processed in the order they are received. You will be notified with a confirmation letter once your registration has been processed. The class does have a maximum of 24 students so please register quickly!

Spring 2013 Registration Form

Summer 2013 Registration Form

Thank you for your interest in the Marine Naturalist Training Program. We hope to see you soon.

For more information, contact:

Cindy Hansen, Education Curator

The Whale Museum

P. O. Box 945

Friday Harbor WA 98250

phone: (360) 378-4710, ext. 23

email: cindy@whalemuseum.org