Join us for an engaging, hands-on exploration of the remarkable world of marine macroalgae. This field-based class invites you into the intertidal zone to discover the ecology, seasonal rhythms, and practical uses of our local seaweeds.
Here’s how one past participant described the experience:
The Seaweed Excursion was amazing! Kristy’s knowledge is unsurpassed— she knows so much about the seaweed world and she deeply cares about environment and community. I am so glad I went for the Excursion—there is plenty to learn of course, but I feel much more confident around seaweeds.
Together, we’ll explore how seaweeds thrive in one of the most dynamic environments on Earth — adapting to tides, weather, and shifting shoreline conditions. You’ll learn to recognize commonly occurring edible species in our region, understand seasonal timing and site considerations for safe harvest, and develop greater confidence navigating intertidal ecosystems.
Harvesting practices will be demonstrated and discussed, though participants will not be harvesting seaweeds for personal use during this program.
Throughout our time together, we will explore:
Reading the shoreline: tides, substrate, and ecological patterns
Identification of locally occurring edible seaweeds
Seasonal growth cycles and harvest windows
Choosing appropriate harvest locations
Sustainable harvesting techniques (demonstration)
Nutritional and wellness applications of seaweeds
We will explore topical, culinary, and creative applications of seaweeds, preparing a seaweed treat together for participants to enjoy and take home — carrying our shoreline learning into practical home uses.
Whether you are curious about edible seaweeds, interested in marine ecology, or simply eager to spend meaningful time in the intertidal, this class offers a rich introduction to working with seaweeds thoughtfully and responsibly.
By the end of the Excursion, you’ll leave with:
Greater confidence identifying common seaweeds
Foundational tools for beginning your own responsible harvesting practice
A basic understanding of seaweeds as food and wellness allies
A deeper appreciation for our local marine ecosystems
Tuition: $140
Register here.
Cancellations are refundable up to 5 days before the class. After that, tuition is non-refundable unless your space can be filled.
What Students Are Saying
Thank you again for a great class the other day….I really loved how you laid heavy emphasis on the experience that comes with harvesting from the Sea. How that ties into our well being as a whole community and planet.
I truly love how you teach—inviting discovery first, then bringing it all together in a way that makes the science and medicine accessible.
You are a wealth of information. I loved your sentiments about ecology and life. Thank you for your knowledge sharing.
Thank you Kristy for offering your Preparing for Seaweed Harvest and Seaweed Field Excursion classes. I signed up to understand how to harvest seaweed in a sustainable and respectful way but little did I know the classes would have so much more to offer! Connecting deeply with the Salish Sea with other curious sea foragers while learning about different seaweeds and their benefits was magical. I felt nourished in body, mind, and spirit after the Excursion and recommend it to anyone wanting to enjoy a day of tidal exploring, learning, and connection. I feel so lucky to have stumbled into your work and look forward to learning as much as I can from you.
I saw Kristy give a talk about seaweed at the San Juan Island Grange Hall and vowed right there and then I would treat myself to one of her Excursions this spring. Her deep knowledge, alignment and connection to the intertidal made me curious about this zone I had never given much thought to.
I’m a “land” herbalist and have a deep connection to the sea, but somehow had overlooked entirely the fragile, beautiful, wildly changing intertidal and its sea “herbs”…I went home tired and happy, brimming with new knowledge and ideas.
The intertidal has found a new fan, steward and gentle forager.