Summer Naturalist Series: Botany, Geology, and Marine Ecosystems

This three-part series is designed for adults (16+) at any skill level that are interested in having fun outdoors learning more about flora, fauna, and natural history of the Pacific Northwest.

We will meet two times during the month of July, and once in August.

Before purchasing, please note the location of our second outing is on Cypress Island which requires a water taxi.

Fare (on July 26th only) is 45.00 per person paid to Island Express Charters (IEC). Note: boat fare is not included in tuition on this website.

Participants will pay their fare on the day of the trip when we get on the boat; For any questions about fare and water taxis visit the Island Express Charters website

If you book yourself ahead of time, please inform nwnatura@gmail.com

Island Express Charters is located in Anacortes.

Our destination is Cypress Island.
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Summer Naturalist Series Info

Each class will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in spectacular landscapes and the ecosystems they proffer; learn about historical geology of the Salish Sea bioregion including mountain building and island formation. Learn also the names of plants, tidepool creatures, and understand how the diversity of habitats came to be in Western Washington.

Overall, we will be moving at a slow pace during each outing as we focus on our surroundings, have mini lectures, or engage in activities.

Expect some moderate to strenuous hiking, and some kneeling or squatting. Regarding the strenuous trails, please remember that we will be stopping a lot to look at the world around us so the pace will be slow on all field trips.

Day 1: Diving in: Tidepools, Coastal Ecology, and Serpentinite Plants
Saturday July 12th, 2025
12:00pm to ~5:00 pm
Washington Park, Anacortes

Nature Tour at Washington Park

• Tidepool exploration (low tide at 1pm)

• Exploring unique rock formations and the life that exists on top of them

• Botanizing and hiking through the scenic park

  • Serpentinite plants in the spotlight.

Expect to see very beautiful coastal views, marine life, unique wildflowers and interesting geology on this trip!

Day 2: Cypress Island Botany and Historical Geology
Saturday July 26th, 2025
1:00pm to 6:30pm
Cypress Island, WA

Ferry departs at 1pm. Please arrive 30 minutes early.

Individuals pay their own ferry fee ($45)

• Learn about the historical geology of the westernmost parts of Washington State: the formation of the San Juan Islands

  • Locate interesting rock formations and rock types on Cypress Island

• Hike to Eagle Point - stretch your legs on this gorgeous scenic hike to the top of Cypress Island.

• Become confident in Tree ID

• Explore the plant life and immerse yourself in nature with vistas of the mainland coast and North Cascades

• Return to Pelican Beach for group pickup at 6:30pm

• Back to Anacortes around 7pm

Day 3: Volcanoes and their Epic Foothills
Saturday August 9th, 2025
1:00pm to 6:30pm
Northwest Natura Land in Maple Falls, WA

• Meet in Maple Falls on Private land for precap of the day.

• Caravan or carpool to next destination

• Learn about how the Cascades were made and how the mountains influence Washington State biomes

• Explore unique rock formations and flowering plants common only in certain areas

• Immersion in one of the most gorgeous ecosystems close to home

Registered individuals will receive details including driving directions in event-reminder emails a few days prior to each event.

Have a look at my Refund Policies before you order.