June 9: Eelgrass Restoration through Youth Conservation

June 9 | 6 pm | The Whale Museum | Friday Harbor

The Whale Museum is excited to kick off its 2026 Summer Lecture Series lineup with the lecture “Eelgrass Restoration through Youth Conservation” given by Mike Rosekrans and Sage Enright with the Youth Conservation Corps. This free presentation is scheduled for 6 PM on June 9 in-person at The Whale Museum and streaming on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/live/dEL7qcNzrO4

Eelgrass plays a vital role in the Salish Sea providing critical species habitat, preventing coastal erosion, improving water quality, and contributing to shellfish and human health by reducing pathogens in seawater. While the San Juan Islands historically had robust eelgrass meadows, the islands have recently experienced alarming local declines, with near-total losses in some areas. the San Juan Islands Conservation District (SJICD) YCC programs leads seed-based eelgrass restoration efforts, which focus on collecting eelgrass seeds from natural meadows and planting them in priority restoration sites. Learn about the efforts our YCC crew members are engaged with and how our local youth are contributing to a healthier marine ecosystem.

Mike joined the District in the Spring of 2023 as the Youth Conservation Corps Program Co-Coordinator. Mike has spent his career engaging youth in environmental education programs, developing curriculum for educational institutions, and mentoring aspiring outdoor leaders and educators. Mike earned his M.Ed from Western Washington University in partnership with North Cascades Institute in 2016 with a focus on nonprofit administration and environmental education.

Sage joined the District as Eelgrass Project Assistant after serving on the Islands Conservation Corps (ICC) since 2022. They hold a B.S. degree in Geology and a minor in Computer Science from Western Washington University where they are working toward a M.A. in Environmental Studies. With hands on experience in land-based restoration through ICC, and marine research and restoration experience in partnership with University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs, Sage is captivated by, and committed to, local conservation efforts.

This event is part of The Whale Museum’s Summer Lecture Series, a series of talks throughout the summer! Everyone is welcome and all of these presentations are free to attend!