2026 MRC Conference
November 6 & 7, 2026
NW Maritime Center, Port Townsend
Keynote speaker: Phil Levin Ph.D.
Professor of Practice at UW and the Lead Scientist for the Nature Conservancy of Washington.
Phillip Levin is a Research Professor and Executive Director of EarthLab 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:
Travel & Lodging
Ferry schedule
The final ferry schedule is not yet available.
- The tentative schedule from Coupeville is 8:45am, 10:15am, 11:45am, 1:15pm, 2:45pm, 4:15pm, 6pm, 7:30pm, 9:10pm
- The tentative schedule from Port Townsend is 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00, 3:30, 5:15, 6:45pm, 8:30pm
Please check the Washington State Ferries website.
Lodging
More information coming soon!
Questions?
Contact us at info@nwstraits.org.