About IslandWood

Exploring Natural Connections

Through its flagship School Overnight Program, IslandWood's educators combine scientific inquiry, technology, and the arts to help Puget Sound-area students discover natural connections with the outdoors. IslandWood provides off-site programming to Seattle-area classrooms and students in the Snohomish area through the Homewaters Project and Brightwater Environmental Education & Community Center.

IslandWood also offers a wide range of programs and community events for adults, families, and professionals.

Mission Statement

To provide exceptional learning experiences and to inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship.

Guiding Principles

At IslandWood, learning comes alive for children and adults through:

• delivering experiential "hands-on" education
• using the environment as a classroom
• engaging diverse learning styles
• integrating science, technology, and the arts
• showcasing sustainable practices

Vision Statement

We envision a future in which all people view themselves as lifelong learners, and share an extraordinary bond of stewardship for the environment, for their communities, and for each other.

Community Involvement

A wide range of community programs is available for children, adults, and families that enhance individual exploration and understanding of the natural world. IslandWood offers hands-on learning opportunities using the unique ecology and natural history of the Puget Sound. Lifelong learning is encouraged to inspire environmental and community stewardship.

Volunteers at IslandWood share their time, meet people with similar interests, and assist guests in appreciating the unique qualities and valuable education that IslandWood has to offer. Volunteers play an integral role in the everyday functioning of IslandWood and are an active example of community stewardship.

Community Involvement Photos

Thatcher Heldring and Aimee Halko team up to organize IslandWood's first ever Youth Service Day


IslandWooder Cynthia Bolin in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life


IslandWooder Ken Mundt coaches Pony League Baseball in Seattle

Here are just a few of the Bainbridge Island organizations to which our staff donates their time and energy:

• Bainbridge Arts & Crafts Bainbridge
• Boys Gymnastics Team
• Bainbridge Boys Varsity Lacrosse
• Bainbridge Community Foundation
• Bainbridge Community Fund
• Bainbridge Girls Varsity Lacrosse
• Bainbridge Island Arts & Humanities Council
• Bainbridge Island Babe Ruth
• Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce
• Bainbridge Island Chinese Connection
• Bainbridge Island Historical Society
• Bainbridge Island Japanese American Memorial
• Bainbridge Island Kiwanis Club Bainbridge Island Land Trust
• Bainbridge Island Little League
• Bainbridge Island Mayor’s Committee on Public Land and Parks
• Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation
• Bainbridge Island PTOs
• Bainbridge Island Public School Supporters
• Bainbridge Island School District
• Bainbridge Island Youth Orchestra
• Bainbridge Island Youth Lacrosse Program
• Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County and Seattle faith-based groups
• Bainbridge Music & Arts
• Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Island Association
• Bainbridge Youth Services
• Beach Walk
• Bethany Lutheran Church
• Camp Siberia
• Friends of Bainbridge Public Library
• Global Team for Local Initiatives
• Green Seattle Day
• Helpline House
• Hyla Middle School
• Island Cooperative Preschool
• The Island School
• Kids Discovery Museum
• One Call For All
• Owl research on Bainbridge Island
• Salish Seas Expeditions
• Seattle Green Festival
• Seattle Pony Baseball
• Sustainable Bainbridge
• West Sound Wildlife Shelter