The 20th annual Sound Waters event will take place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at South Whidbey High School.  Registration opened Jan. 4.

Hosted by an all-volunteer team of Island County’s Beach Watchers, a Washington State University Extension program, this one-day university for all celebrates the unique marine ecosystems of Puget Sound and the broader Salish Sea.

This year’s keynote speaker, John R. Delaney, will speak on “Our Global Ocean: the Ultimate Planetary Life Support System.” Following the keynote, more than 60 sessions will be offered through the day on topics as diverse as: raptors; puffins and owls; sea star wasting syndrome; giant Pacific octopus; oyster gardening; native pollinators; how Apex predators drive diversity in the natural environment; restoration of the Elwha River; melting ice sheets and sea level rise; storm water solutions; how trees hug back; and much more.

Sound Waters provides a perfect opportunity to catch up on new local and regional environmental developments, hear from experts in many fields and share with neighbors and friends.

For information go to www.beachwatchers.net/soundwaters