The Community Net Project
Art + Action for Ocean Stewardship
The Community Net Project is a multi-year, community-driven initiative designed to educate and inspire through hands-on art and environmental action. At its heart, it’s about connecting people—of all ages and backgrounds—to the ocean and to one another. Through school programs, art workshops, cleanups, and creative events, we spark conversations about marine conservation and plastic pollution, while inviting everyone to contribute to a collaborative art installation made from repurposed cork buoys.
These buoys, salvaged from commercial seiner nets that would otherwise go to the landfill, are decorated by hundreds of community members throughout the region. In 2027, we will weave them together into a large-scale Community Net, a symbol of unity, stewardship, and shared responsibility for our waters. The net will become a permanent art installation.
Blue Schools
Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Stewards
Through our Blue Schools program, we visit classrooms to teach students about marine ecosystems, pollution, ocean food webs, and how human choices impact our waters. Using engaging lessons and hands-on activities, we empower youth to take small actions with big ripple effects.
Rethinking Plastic
Reducing Waste, Reimagining Materials
We use every Community Net event as an opportunity to talk about the impact of plastic pollution and how to reduce it—both at the source and downstream. From repurposing marine gear into art supplies to teaching people how to cut down on single-use plastics at home, our goal is to shift mindsets and help people see waste as a material with potential, not just a problem.
Beach Clean-Ups
Hands in the Sand, Eyes on the Horizon
Our regular beach cleanups bring together volunteers who care deeply about protecting local shorelines. While we collect trash and debris, we also gather data on what’s showing up, how much of it is plastic, and how we can change the systems that create it.
Our beach clean ups typically take place in the Fall and Spring, check out our events page for more information. To sign up to volunteer for a future clean up, visit our volunteer page.
Cork Buoy Painting Activities
Art That Tells a Story
At festivals, libraries, youth clubs, and community events across the region, we invite people to paint or draw on repurposed cork buoys from retired fishing gear. Whether it’s a sea creature, a message of hope, or a simple splash of color, each buoy becomes a voice in the larger conversation about ocean health. Thanks to partners like the Whatcom County Library System and local youth organizations, we’re bringing this activity to a wide audience of all ages.
Contact us to bring this art activity to your school youth group, club, event, or activity center >
Paint & Sip Nights
Conservation Meets Creativity
We host relaxed, social evenings where participants learn about marine issues while painting on unconventional canvases like buoys, crab shells, driftwood, and more. These Paint & Sip Nights offer a unique way for adults to engage with ocean conservation in a laid-back, artful setting—with plenty of good conversation and creativity along the way.
We also do private Paint & Sip nights for businesses that want to reward and educate their employees, or for private parties and events such as showers, birthday parties, and more. Contact us for more information.
Trivia Nights
Test Your Knowledge, Learn Something New
Our ocean-themed trivia nights are a fun and interactive way to explore everything from marine science and maritime history to seafood sustainability and coastal cultures. Whether you're a sea life expert or just there for the laughs, our trivia events offer something for everyone—and help keep ocean issues top of mind in a lighthearted, welcoming environment.
Gear Repair Clinics
Supporting Fishers, Reducing Debris
Working directly with the commercial fishing community, we host gear repair clinics that offer space, tools, and support for fishers to mend their nets and equipment. These clinics help extend the life of fishing gear, keeping it in use and out of the ocean. By reducing gear loss and providing an alternative to disposal, we’re tackling marine debris at its source—while honoring the skills and traditions of our local working waterfront. It's practical stewardship with lasting impact.
Thanks to our sponsors
