Salish Seaweed Garden: A Day of Sea Veggie Foraging, Feasting and Ecology

Did you know the most nutritious vegetable on Earth grows in the Salish Sea? For thousands of years, seaweeds have been celebrated across the Pacific Rim—as superfoods, medicine, fishing line, and even tax payments in ancient Japan!

Join us for a day on Whidbey Island to explore the incredible seaweed gardens growing right in our backyard. Led by Jennifer Hahn—naturalist, seaweed scientist, and author of Pacific Feast: A Cook's Guide to West Coast Foraging and Cuisine—this workshop will immerse you in the fascinating world of seaweeds. Jennifer, who teaches at Fairhaven College, will guide us through kelp ecology, sustainable harvesting techniques, nutrition, potential pollutants, ecological threats, and the exciting rise of West Coast kelp restoration projects and seaweed aquaculture in our local waters.

This one-day workshop is perfectly timed to coincide with a minus spring tide and the short, one-month window for public recreational seaweed harvesting at a state park. We’ll begin with a beach walk (or a wade in boots) to collect fresh sea vegetables, then head to the park’s covered picnic shelter—our “Kelp Kitchen.”

Next, it’s time to get cooking! Ever tried chocolate ocean pudding? How about vibrant, mineral-rich kelp “fettuccine” with a delightful texture and gluten-free appeal? We’ll prepare and enjoy a memorable feast of five dishes, all while learning ways to preserve seaweeds for future use.

The workshop fee includes the cost of ingredients. Participants should bring their favorite kitchen knife, cutting board, and net bags (onion sacks work well) or plastic freezer bags (pint or gallon-sized) for collected and processed seaweed. Don’t forget a cooler and ice to keep your sea veggies fresh during the afternoon and transport them home.

You can buy a Recreational Seaweed & Shellfish License and harvest for yourself, or just come, watch, and soak up the Salish Seaweed wisdom. You will also need a Discovery Pass to park at Fort Ebey, or plan on paying $10 to park for the day - carpooling is encouraged!

Scholarships and Student, Military and Disability discounts are available for most in-person programs. Call (360) 854-2599 for more info!