“Life changing” does not truly begin to describe my intern experience with Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group thus far. For several months, I have had the amazing opportunity to take my knowledge of the Pacific Northwest wildlife to the next level. Never in my life did I think I would be involved with salmon the way that I am now. 

I have studied the region’s marine mammals and have always thought I had a rather profound understanding of their connection to the environment in which they live. I walked into Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and discovered I really did not know as much as I thought I did about salmon or how they tied into nature. In the short time I have been an intern, I have learned more than I could have ever hoped to gain!

To understand the marine mammals that inhabit the Salish Sea, you really have to understand the salmonid species that are native to the Pacific Northwest. Without salmon, the lives of these marine mammals I regularly teach people about would cease to exist!

My career has always focused on education and outreach. I used to work on boats where I would lead tours about marine mammals. I learned how to interact with the public and provide unique views on the Salish Sea’s wildlife. I have also spent a great deal of time using my art business as a platform to reach people around the world. When I became an intern, I was thrown for a wild curveball when I went from regularly educating adults about animals I could speak volumes on to educating young children about animals I knew very little about! I learned to readjust my ways of teaching. It surprisingly never crossed my mind, as a naturalist, that the people I make the biggest impact on are children! Teaching kids used to be one of the most daunting parts of my internship. However, over time, I have discovered that presenting in the classrooms is one of my favorite things to do. The kids look to you for guidance and knowledge. What you give to them can make a lasting impact. 

Every aspect of this work has tied back into my day to day life. From educating the public, to deepening my understanding of the world around me. I have gained so much knowledge on things I initially never gave second thoughts to. I always say that the universe has strange ways of giving you the things that you need. This work was not something that ever crossed my mind. I had actually stumbled upon this internship by mistake. This experience, so far, has been absolutely magical and eye-opening for me. I gained a sense of purpose and community. I discovered how much of a difference I actually make. It changed my life. I look forward to what more comes my way and how I can use it to become a better steward in education and conservation. 

-Kat Martin, Education Intern 2024-2025

 

Kat teaching kids about qualities of healthy riparian habitat.