Where Science is Wild
Adventures in Learning are planned programs for adults who are curious and love getting outside and supporting science. The featured trips are perfect for solo travelers, a group of friends, or a couple looking to get onto the water and into the forest.
As your host, the Sitka Sound Science Center can showcase the best that Southeast Alaska has to offer. Sitting on the outer coast, a visitor to the Science Center can see whales, sea lions, salmon and sea otters right from shore. Looking inland, the temperate rainforest covers mountains that stretch up to a snow-capped ridge line.
Our trips are tailored to a variety of interests and support a deeper dive into topics such as intertidal exploration, literature, art, and citizen science. Our days will be spent immersing in the current and historical culture of Sitka while hitting the beach, walking in the woods, or sitting atop kayaks. The evenings will be more independent, allowing you time to eat local foods in town, attend a local concert, or stop by the brewery.
We will be based out of Sitka for the whole trip, allowing you time to explore the quaint downtown streets, walk along the harbor docks, or take a stroll through Sitka’s National Historical Park. Through our connections, you will sit down with Sitkans who can share their knowledge and expertise as leaders in our community. These trips are perfect for visitors who love to get to know a place on a deeper level.
Art and the Intertidal: Monday, May 12 through Saturday, May 17
Retreat to the remote beauty of Sitka, Alaska, where the rocky intertidal zone becomes your canvas. Explore tidepools and venture into the waves as you immerse yourself in our small island community. Spend time with talented local artists who will guide you through hands-on workshops and open studio time. Escape, create, and discover a deeper connection to nature and art in Sitka.
The base price for this trip is $4199. The deposit is $500 and is required upon registration. This amount is refundable if you are unable to make the trip. A link to the final payment will be sent out two weeks before the trip via email. When you sign up, you can select a variety of lodging options or elect to find your own. See lodging details below.
Activity Level: A walk in the park (or on the beach) – certain days may include a 1-2 mile walk on a gravel trail, a tidepool exploration on our rocky shores, or a snorkel/swim in the ocean. Snorkel gear is provided.
Highlighted Activities:
- Snorkeling: get up close and personal with intertidal and subtidal life in Sitka Sound. Led by our Diving Safety Officer, this is an activity that is suitable for beginners and avid snorkelers alike. Thick wetsuits provide flotation and keep us warm in the water. Warm up afterwards in a sauna or with a hot cup of coffee.
- Marine Wildlife Viewing: board a vessel at the harbor and embark on a three-hour site-seeing tour. Local captains know where to find groups of sea otters, sea lions, sea birds, and often can locate whales. Naturalists will be onboard to share knowledge about the animals and landscapes we get to observe.
- Nature Journaling: work with some of Sitka’s beloved artists to create your own nature journal. Our gentle hikes and intertidal walks will provide inspiration for sketches, watercolor paintings, or plant pressings. Learn about traditional Formline, an Indigenous art form that has roots in Southeast Alaska and is used on Totem Poles, masks, paintings, and other art forms.
- Sitka Sound Science Center Aquarium: spend ample time in the Molly Ahlgren aquarium here at SSSC with our Aquarists to learn about marine life. Get an up-close look at jellyfish, grunt sculpins, sea urchins, and many other animals that are native to Sitka Sound.
Lodging Options:
- Sitka Fine Arts Camp Tillie Paul Hostel: private rooms or bunk room options, shared bathrooms with one other guest.
- Sitka Fine Arts Camp Whitmore House: private or shared room options, with shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen.
- Stevenson Hall at the Sitka Music Festival: private rooms with private bathrooms. Share the building with musicians in residence.
- Elect to find your own housing in Sitka.
Food Options:
Several meals will be included in the itinerary, which will be sent to participants after signing up. The lodging options have communal kitchens which are a great spot to fix your own breakfast or lunch. Otherwise, there are food trucks and restaurants that are a 10-minute walk from the Science Center. Market Center, the downtown grocery store, is also a short walk from SSSC.
What to Pack:
Weather will range from cold to cool to warm and will likely include rain. Wool, Smartwool, or polypro fabrics are recommended for clothing. Also, Sitka is a casual place where rain boots are an everyday item.
Personal Clothing:
- Rain gear – jacket and pants if you have (best if it fits over the warm coat layer!)
- Warm coat – an insulated/wind-breaking layer for the boat
- Long underwear
- Jacket – a warm fleece jacket or thick wool sweater
- Boots – if you have rubber boots, bring them
- Sturdy shoes for walking and hiking – preferably waterproof or resistant
- Warm hat (and/or rain hat)
- Gloves or mittens
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Wool socks (multiple pairs)
- Swimsuit (for snorkeling and polar dips!)
- Towel
Gear:
- Backpack – something comfortable enough to carry while hiking
- Binoculars
- Water bottle
- Reusable coffee/tea mug (can be handy to have and avoids one-use cups)
- Umbrella – optional, if you have a collapsible one that fits in your luggage
- Snorkeling – feel free to bring your own snorkel mask if you’d prefer, but we have cold water gear for everyone
Included:
Trip price can include lodging. Breakfast and lunch are included, as well as four nights of dinners (two nights on your own). Also includes travel from the airport, time with artists, trip coordination, local guides, snorkeling gear, and art supplies.
Not Included:
Air fare to and from Sitka, other travel associated fees, alcoholic beverages, or optional activities.
Save your seat today