Become a WSU Beach Watcher

EVERETT, Wash. – Learn about Puget Sound wildlife, coastal processes, water quality, climate change, and more, then share your knowledge as a trained Washington State University Extension Beach Watcher.

Two people stand on a beach at low tide with water in the background.
Beach Watchers volunteers

WSU hosts a training course where enrollees receive 80 hours of classroom and field training in classes that will mix in-person and online learning, with several field trips included. The training starts on March 16 and will be every Thursday in March and May from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and every Tuesday and Thursday in April from 9 a.m. – noon.

The course fee is $175, $150 if registered before March 1st. Need-based scholarships are available.

Upon completing the course, Beach Watchers share their knowledge as citizen scientist volunteers, giving back 80 hours over the next two years to self-selected projects.

The program allows people to immerse themselves in Puget Sound stewardship knowledge and provides a community of like-minded people.

Options to volunteer are wide-ranging. Choose one of the following programs:
• Share what you learn to help others conserve Puget Sound health
• Get involved in one or several Puget Sound related research projects
• Bring your own ideas to craft your own volunteer experience.

More information on the Beach Watchers website.

Media Contacts

Jonathan Robinson, Beach Watchers Program Coordinator,