2026 MRC Conference

November 6 & 7, 2026

NW Maritime Center, Port Townsend

"Science often appears in public as a finished product—a report, a journal article, a figure, a finding. What is less visible is the community behind it. The conversations. The debate. The generosity. The thousands of volunteer hours offered because people believe the work matters."

Excerpt from Season of Tending (Substack June 23, 2026), Phil Levin Ph.D. the 2026 MRC Conference Keynote Speaker

Keynote speaker: Phil Levin Ph.D.

Research Professor, Director of the University of Washington School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, and Director of The Nature Record

Phillip Levin is a Research Professor and Director of the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs at the University of Washington, where he leads interdisciplinary efforts to connect science, policy, and community priorities. He currently directs The Nature Record, an independent effort to understand the state of nature and nature’s benefits across the U.S. This initiative builds on Levin’s prior leadership of the first-ever U.S. National Nature Assessment during his time at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. A conservation scientist with a passion for actionable science, Levin works across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial systems to develop tools that support equitable and sustainable environmental decision-making. He previously served as Lead Scientist for The Nature Conservancy in Washington and held senior leadership roles at NOAA. Levin has published over 230 scientific papers, multiple books, and his work has been featured in numerous media outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, CNN, MSNBC, The Economist, and more. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of New Hampshire and a B.A. from the University of Texas.

Learn more about Phil's work:

UW's Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Lab
Director of The Nature Record, an independent effort to understand the state of nature and nature’s benefits across the U.S.
Substack: https://naturerecord.substack.com

Agenda

Day 1:

An optional pre-conference workshop hosted by the Science Advisory Committee that will focus on effective ecological monitoring.
- This optional event begins at 9:45 a.m.
MRC-led lightning talks, facilitated networking activities to build connection and collaboration, and a dinner with keynote Phil Levin.
- Registration opens: 10:30 a.m.
- Conference starts: 11:30 a.m.
- Day 1 ends at 7:30 p.m.

Day 2:

An entire day to dive into how our work fits into the broader context of social-ecological recovery of the Salish Sea with expert talks, and interactive discussions.
- Conference ends: 2:30 p.m..

Subject to change.

Travel & Lodging

info

Ferry schedule

The schedule from Coupeville is 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:15 p.m. 9:10 p.m.
The schedule from Port Townsend is 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2p.m., 3:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
See Washington State Ferries website

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Tidal cancellations: please note the following sailings have been cancelled Friday 11/6 and Saturday 11/7 due to tides:

From Port Townsend 5:15 p.m., 6:45 p.m.
From Coupeville 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
See Tidal cancellations

Lodging & Food

Looking for lodging and food information? Click the “+” icon on the right side of each blue bar to expand the sections for “MRC Members” and “Governor Appointed Commissioners & Science Advisory Committee Members.” Additional details appear inside those expandable menus.

MRC Members:

Harborside Inn

We are pleased to be partnering with the Harborside Inn for accommodations during the 2026 annual conference. Please review the hotel information below. Coordinate with your MRC Staff for hotel reservations and reimbursement booking any lodging. A room block has been reserved at the Harborside Inn (330 Benedict St, Port Townsend, WA 98368) at the per diem rate. Please select your room with the following reservation link. Please reserve the room by October 7.

If you prefer to book a different accommodation, you may do so. If the lodging cost exceeds per diem, reimbursements will be limited to the per diem rate (currently $137/night in Jefferson County). We are now able to reimburse peer‑to‑peer lodging (such as Airbnb). Additional costs for guests cannot be reimbursed.

Check in/out: Check-in is guaranteed by 4:00 PM. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Contact info@nwstraits.org if you require an early check in or late check out time.

Parking: Guest parking stalls are available in the lot adjacent to the hotel.

More information: Ha rborside Inn

Breakfast: A complimentary continental breakfast is available daily from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM in the lobby area. Coffee is available all day.

Nearby breakfast options within per diem include:

Sunrise Coffee Company – 7‑minute walk; coffee and baked goods. Opens at 6:30 AM Fridays and 7:30 AM Saturdays.
Velocity – Next to the NW Maritime Center; coffee and pastries. Opens at 7 AM

Governor Appointed Commissioners & Science Advisory Committee Members:

Palace Hotel

We have reserved a room block at the Palace Hotel (1004 Water Street, Port Townsend, Washington 98368) for the night of November 6 at the per diem rate. To reserve a room, please email info@nwstraits.org by October 7. Your stay will be paid for directly by NW Straits Commission.

Check in/out: Check in is at 3 PM. Check out is at 11 AM. The Front Desk Manager is available from 8 AM to 10 PM and an Overnight Manager is on the premises from 10 PM to 8 AM. Please feel free to email info@nwstraits.org if you require an early check in or late check out time.

Parking: Limited first-come, first-served parking is available in the uncovered lot behind the hotel. One space is available per room. There is no rear entrance from the lot into the hotel. Free 24-hour street parking is available nearby. The hotel is not responsible for loss or damage to vehicles.

More information: P alace Hotel

Breakfast: The Palace Hotel does not offer complimentary breakfast. However, there are many breakfast options within walking distance of the hotel available under the Jefferson County Breakfast per diem. Some options include but are not limited to the cafes listed below.

Better Living Through Coffee – about a 1‑minute walk from the property, offering coffee, pastries, and light meals. Opens at 7:30 AM on Fridays and 7 AM on Saturdays.
Ground to Perfection Espresso – about a 2-minute walk from the property, offering coffee and freshly baked pastries with gluten-free and vegan options. Opens at 6 AM.