Environmental Learning Center

In the spring of 2020, Whidbey Watershed Stewards is expanding its environmental educational footprint, opening an Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Langley at the South Whidbey Community Center. This will allow us to expand our programming and better serve the community.

First, this new venue will open up so many new possibilities for public programs, lectures, events, exhibits, as well as, collaborations with other organizations. Ultimately, and most importantly, what we plan to create is a safe learning space for all ages, where they can participate in exploring the natural environment with a spotlight on the general health and environmental issues of the Salish Sea. The ELC will be an actual laboratory with microscopes, plankton nets, and an assemblage of the scientific equipment that we will need to explore and learn about our local marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The ELC will have hands-on activities, informational exhibits and art as we explore the relationship between science communication and art. Within walking distance of the Langley Marina, many of our programs will include exploring sea life at the marina, as well as, collecting data to analyze at the ELC.

In addition, the ELC will strengthen an already strong relationship with the South Whidbey School District (SWSD). In 2019, the SWSD restructured the middle school class schedule offering electives on Wednesdays for individual students to attend. At our new ELC, we will be offering science-based electives. Finally, our middle school Marine Science Program continues. We still plan to visit classrooms at the school, but, additionally, the ELC will add an exciting new element to the program.

The WWS board, staff and volunteers are very excited at all the new possibilities and opportunities the ELC will bring to our organization. We are committed to providing environmental education to the community (adults and young students alike). Education is the cornerstone to advancing environmental health and fostering stewardship into the future.