John,

We live in a remarkably diverse area that offers ample opportunities for outdoor experiences in public places. The pandemic and quarantine have reminded many folks how valuable simply being outside is for our physical and mental health. 

As our state slowly and progressively eases COVID-19 restrictions to access public places, many of us will venture off to enjoy the Puget Sound and Salish Sea and do things we missed deeply during the past two months — picnicking at a local park, walking along the waterfront or beach, tide-pooling, building a sand creature, seeing the sunset, or just being near the open water.

Before the pandemic, Washington Environmental Council and Braided River published the book We Are Puget Sound - Discovering and Recovering the Salish Sea along with a campaign to connect people and place. We Are Puget Sound explores places and wildlife through extraordinary photos, describes our human connections both past and present, and also introduces you to people in your communities doing remarkable things that benefit us all. 

On Thursday, May 14, we're co-hosting a We Are Puget Sound online event. Join us to hear stories about the Salish Sea, personal connections to this place, and how people express their love for our home through artwork.

What: Experience and Share your Puget Sound: Express through words, art, and activity
When: Thursday, May 14, at 12 p.m.
Who: Mindy Roberts, WEC, Brian Walsh, contributing photographer, Brendan Flynn, Puget Sound fisherman, and Jessica LaTour, artist and owner of Singing Pots
Register here
Share the event with your friends on Facebook

The We Are Puget Sound book and campaign identify 10 actions people can take to help recover the Salish Sea. The more we experience our home, the more inclined we will be to protect and restore it. Action #10 is "Experience your Puget Sound and share it with someone you know." For inspiration, tune in to our online event on May 14!

We look forward to hearing your Puget Sound and Salish Sea stories. 

See you there, 

Rein Attemann
Puget Sound Campaign Manager 

P.s. Follow the We Are Puget Sound campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.