A Conversation on the Beach Naturalist Program with Becky Cooke

In this inspiring episode of Parenting Takes a Village, host [Insert Host Name] welcomes Becky Cooke (she/her), a parent education instructor at Magnolia Cooperative Preschool and a passionate advocate for outdoor learning and community engagement. With a background in occupational therapy and a deep love for nature, Becky shares her journey from working in a traumatic brain injury rehab unit in NYC to becoming a beloved educator and environmental steward in Seattle.

Becky discusses her volunteer work with the Seattle Aquarium’s Beach Naturalist and Cedar River Salmon Journey Programs, as well as her role as a Salmon Steward for the Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project. She explains how families can foster curiosity, connection, and conservation by engaging with local marine environments — and why tidepooling is more than just a summer activity.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• The importance of outdoor, hands-on learning for children (especially those with sensory needs or neurodivergence)

• How to respectfully explore tidepools and beaches using the principles of beach etiquette

• Seasonal marine life to look for in Puget Sound and how to identify common creatures

• Simple tools to enhance your beach outings, from field guides to loupe magnifiers

• How community science and stewardship can empower families to care for local ecosystems

Becky’s OT lens and infectious enthusiasm for nature will inspire listeners to slow down, look closer, and maybe even send her pictures of mushrooms. Whether you’re a lifelong Pacific Northwesterner or new to the region, this episode will equip you with the tools and curiosity to become your child’s first nature guide.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Seattle Aquarium Field Guides:

  • FieldGuide2019-English.pdf

  • FieldGuide2014-English-Spanish2.pdf

• Guía de campo de la playa de Puget Sound (Beach-Guide-2022.pdf)

• Beach Etiquette Recommendations (BeachEtiquette_Feb2021_english.pdf)

• Kid-friendly Books:

  • What Do You Find in a Tide Pool? by Megan Koop

  • Tidepools: National Geographic Readers

  • In One Tidepool by Anthony Fredericks

  • Let's Explore the Beach by Karen DeWitt

  • Fylling’s Illustrated Guide to Pacific Coast Tidepools by Marni Fylling

  • Whelks to Whales by Rick M. Harbo

• Tools: Loupe Magnifier (for closer looks at tidepool treasures)

Pro tip from Becky: “Play outside, explore with care, and don’t forget to ask your kids what they notice — their perspective might surprise you.”