Stewardship Opportunities
Our Sea, Our Responsibility
Our mission is to protect and restore the marine resources of the Salish Sea through education, stewardship, and science-based restoration and prevention efforts. We recognize that we are caretakers of the earth and its many interconnected ecosystems. Restoration doesn’t end when the excavators leave the site, it begins there.
After the heavy machinery clears concrete and creosote, many hands remove invasive plants, and shorelines have been reshaped; stewardship steps in to maintain the area. Volunteers play a critical role in removing invasive species, caring for native plants, and controlling erosion, actions that ensure restored habitats continue to thrive. These practices foster diversity and stability in our ecosystems, supporting salmon, forage fish, seabirds, and the communities that depend on them.
Stewardship is about showing up, again and again, to weed, water, monitor, and learn. We are tending to the land and sea with intention and commitment. By volunteering with SSA, you’re joining a network of stewards dedicated to a healthier, more resilient Salish Sea. Together, we restore not just shorelines, but relationships between people, place, and the natural world. Your involvement ensures these projects succeed long after construction ends.
Events
Volunteer Stewardship Opportunities with SSA include:
🌱 Spring: Wake-up Shorelines
As native plants begin to emerge, spring is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and help prepare restoration sites for the growing season. Volunteers help with weeding, removing invasive species, and clearing debris to give young native plants the best chance to thrive. It’s hands-on, satisfying work that jumpstarts the season of growth and renewal.
☀️ Summer: Keep It Growing
As the days grow longer and hotter, newly planted vegetation requires extra care. Volunteers are vital in watering young plants, checking for erosion, and caring for restoration sites during the critical dry months. Summer is the season when your stewardship truly helps coastal ecosystems stay strong and resilient.
🍂 Fall: Plant the Future
Fall is planting season! Cooler weather and returning rains create ideal conditions for establishing native trees, shrubs, and grasses. Join us for planting events that directly support shoreline stability, improve marine habitat, and build climate resilience. It’s a chance to leave a living legacy and get your hands a little dirty doing it.
❄️ Winter: Watch & Learn
Even in the quietest season, there’s meaningful work to be done. Winter volunteers help with site monitoring, data collection, and public education events. From counting plant survival rates to helping teach others about coastal conservation, your efforts help us adapt, improve, and plan for the seasons ahead.