Kelp Forests, Storytime & Salish Sea Art - A Junior Ranger Program at Lime Kiln Point State Park

Did you know that the San Juan Islands are home to one-third of all floating kelp in the inland waters of Washington State? In this family-friendly program, listen to the story of the Ko-kwal-alwoot, the Maiden of Deception Pass. Afterwards, create your own Salish Sea Art while learning how to protect these rainforests of the sea.

Bull kelp is one of the fastest growing organisms on earth. Growth rates of over 10 inches per day have been recorded! This important habitat shelters urchins, crabs, juvenile rockfish, anemones, sea stars, octopus, and many other marine creatures. 

In 2025 Washington State even signed a bill to designate bull kelp forests as our WA state marine forest!

Discover what efforts are happening to protect and restore kelp forests, as kelp needs clean cold water and light to thrive. Come join us to create your very own Salish Sea Art and learn ways that you can protect our rainforests of the sea.

Best for ages five and up and their families. Grandparents and their grandchildren especially invited!  

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”   Rachel Carson