Satterberg Foundation

Fostering Concern for our Environment Pacific Marine Research (PMR) and children from the Swinomish and Tulalip tribes teamed up for an environmental education fieldtrip on Puget Sound, made possible by a grant from the Satterberg Foundation.

PMR’s program, called Marine Science Afloat™, gives children of all ages a “hands on” shipboard learning experience that serves as a foundation for appreciation and stewardship of our shared natural resource, Puget Sound. This program marked the first collaboration between PMR and the Native American tribes, and it was a total success.

A History of Caring for Kids

Pacific Marine Research is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 to offer academically challenging, yet affordable, marine science instruction to all Washington State elementary and secondary school children. This grass roots organization offers the Marine Science Afloat™ program in hopes that an increased knowledge and appreciation of the Puget Sound ecosystem, will lead to reduced pollution and foster improved stewardship of this extremely valuable resource.

PMR’s mission is fulfilled through a one-day oceanographic expedition. On board a specially equipped research vessel operated by Argosy Cruises, children experience the wonders hidden beneath the waters of Puget Sound. They witness, first hand, the marine life of the Sound using underwater cameras, microscopes and scientific sampling equipment. Annually, PMR hosts over 6,000 students and adults.

The Satterberg Foundation to the Rescue

The Pacific Northwest lifestyle is, in great measure, derived from its Native American culture. Many of the region’s tribes have historically been, and continue to be, dependent upon the marine environment for sustenance. Puget Sound, in particular, has been a main focus for the tribes, yet very little in the way of structured education is available to many tribal children. Until now, PMR has historically had very little interaction with the tribes around Puget Sound.

This all changed in 2006, when the Satterberg Foundation generously awarded PMR a grant to bring Marine Science Afloat™ to the children of the Swinomish and Tulalip tribes. This groundbreaking event resulted in a wonderful adventure that proved to be very special for both the participants and the employees of PMR.

By helping to bring PMR and these two tribes together, the mission of the Satterberg Foundation, which is to help individuals and families reach their highest potential and become connected and involved with their communities and environment, was fully achieved.

But the Story is not Over…

With this first series of fieldtrips completed, it is now clear that a seed has been planted and continues to grow.

This coming school year, both the Swinomish and Tulalip tribes have voluntarily decided to attend the program again, bringing the benefits of environmental education to even more of their young people. And as an added measure of the program’s value, both tribes are raising their own funds in order to contribute to the costs of the program.

This is the ultimate confirmation of the “pump priming” process by which PMR and the Satterberg Foundation gauge their effectiveness. It is heart warming to see the fruits of these labors so well rewarded, for the sake of the tribal children and the future health of Puget Sound.