Salish Sea Alliance

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

Salish Sea Alliance We are a marine conservation organization protecting the Salish Sea through collaborative stewardship & implementing science-based restoration.

Formerly known as the Northwest Straits Foundation.

Plant of the Month: Bigleaf Maple!Native to the Pacific Northwest, these golden giants help stabilize slopes, reduce ero...
10/05/2026

Plant of the Month: Bigleaf Maple!

Native to the Pacific Northwest, these golden giants help stabilize slopes, reduce erosion, support pollinators and wildlife, and create rich habitat for native plants. Their fallen leaves even return nutrients to the soil and help support nearshore ecosystems. Planting a bigleaf maple in the fall is a beautiful way to invest in a healthier, more resilient shoreline.

Tip of the Month: Get Your Drainage System Ready for Winter!Fall is the perfect time to check your shoreline drainage be...
10/02/2026

Tip of the Month: Get Your Drainage System Ready for Winter!

Fall is the perfect time to check your shoreline drainage before the Pacific Northwest’s wet winter arrives - especially considering this years projected powerful El Niño event. Clogged, leaking, or poorly positioned drainage can lead to water buildup, erosion, and even bluff instability.

- Know where your pipes run
- Check for leaks and new water seeps
- Monitor your bluff for changes
- Consider adding native plants to help uptake excess water

A little maintenance now can help protect your property and your shoreline all winter long.

Plant of the Month: Kinnikinnick!A hardy Pacific Northwest native that does so much more than look good! Its spreading m...
09/23/2026

Plant of the Month: Kinnikinnick!
A hardy Pacific Northwest native that does so much more than look good! Its spreading mats help stabilize slopes, suppress weeds, and provide valuable habitat and food for pollinators and wildlife.
With spring blooms and bright red winter berries, Kinnikinnick is a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to invasive ground covers, providing a critical winter food source.

Tip of the Month: Willow Staking!Looking for a simple, low-cost way to help protect your shoreline from erosion? Willow ...
09/22/2026

Tip of the Month: Willow Staking!

Looking for a simple, low-cost way to help protect your shoreline from erosion? Willow staking is a natural solution! Live willow stakes take root, help hold soil together, and provide valuable habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

Fall is a great time to plant - learn how to get started at home!

09/22/2026

Salish Sea A-Z: T is for Trees!
Trees are so much more than stunning habitat and view corridors on the shoreline - they function as rebar, creating a network of infrastructure for the soil, helping manage stormwater, and protecting your property from erosion. As they say - the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now! There are plenty of ways to be strategic when planting trees to maintain views while still taking advantage of their many shoreline benefits. Consider planting trees this fall!
If you need more guidance regarding your specific shoreline property, sign up for a free technical site visit on our website, link in bio.

Last week an incredible group of volunteers took on more invasive Himalayan blackberry at Clayton beach! Wow! We’re almo...
08/31/2026

Last week an incredible group of volunteers took on more invasive Himalayan blackberry at Clayton beach! Wow! We’re almost ready for fall planting.

Plant of the Month: Thimbleberry!One of the Pacific Northwest's standout native shrubs!With white flowers in late spring...
08/06/2026

Plant of the Month: Thimbleberry!
One of the Pacific Northwest's standout native shrubs!
With white flowers in late spring, vibrant red berries in midsummer, and golden foliage in the fall, thimbleberry brings beauty to your landscape in every season. Even better? Its berries are a delicious treat for both people and wildlife.
Thimbleberry also provides valuable habitat for birds, mammals, and pollinators, while its spreading root system helps stabilize soil and reduce erosion, making it an excellent choice for coastal bluffs and shoreline landscapes.
If you're thinking about adding native plants to your yard, thimbleberry is a win-win: beautiful, beneficial, and berry delicious!

Tip of the Month: Conserving Water! With Washington's drought declaration reminding us that every drop counts, now is th...
08/05/2026

Tip of the Month: Conserving Water!
With Washington's drought declaration reminding us that every drop counts, now is the perfect time to rethink how we use water outdoors. Summer irrigation can nearly double household water use, and much of it is lost to evaporation, runoff, and overwatering.

Simple changes can make a big difference:
- Plant native and drought-tolerant species
- Water in the early morning or evening
- Water by hand when possible
- Use mulch and compost to help soil retain moisture
- Let your lawn go dormant during the dry season

Conserving water doesn't just benefit our rivers, streams, and the Salish Sea, it can also lower your water bill, reduce runoff, and help protect our limited drinking water supply during the hottest months of the year.

Big news! We have a new name!We’re excited to announce that after 25 years of marine conservation, the formerly known No...
08/03/2026

Big news! We have a new name!
We’re excited to announce that after 25 years of marine conservation, the formerly known Northwest Straits Foundation, is updating our name to the Salish Sea Alliance!
Since our foundation, we have grown into a leader in nearshore restoration, derelict fishing gear removal, and support for marine scholars. Our new name reflects our deepening work with our partners, and our unwavering commitment to building a more resilient Salish Sea.
While our name is changing, our mission is not. The work you’ve supported to restore and protect shorelines, prevent the loss of derelict gear, and support marine scholars is continuing and we will do so as a collaborative marine conservation organization working throughout the Salish Sea. Please consider becoming a sustaining supporter of the Salish Sea Alliance. Your meaningful donation will be put to work today.
We look forward to remaining your Partners in Marine Conservation for years to come!
Share this post with your friends to celebrate!

Are you ready for the crabbing season!? Join us Monday, June 29th from 6 – 7 PM as we host a live online workshop with W...
06/24/2026

Are you ready for the crabbing season!? Join us Monday, June 29th from 6 – 7 PM as we host a live online workshop with WDFW experts to help you be a successful and responsible crabber.

Don't miss out—register now at https://tinyurl.com/2026crabbing and secure your spot!

Address

1155 N. State Street Suite 400
Bellingham, WA
98225

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13607331725

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Salish Sea Alliance posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Salish Sea Alliance:

Shortcuts

Share