Environmental Conservation
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
Biology courses at Skagit Valley College are designed to prepare students for careers in health fields or future work in research or industry. Classes are offered in a variety of science areas, from marine biology and environmental sciences, to anatomy and physiology and microbiology.
Environmental Conservation, BAS
The BAS-Environmental Conservation program leverages Skagit Valley’s diverse ecology by taking advantage of the temperate forests, shorelines, and mixed-use wilderness areas along with an accredited water quality lab to offer a hands-on learning in natural resource management. Students develop key skills through a mix of online and classroom instruction, lab work, and field experiences.
Program Highlights
- Designed to meet the growing employment needs for graduates with advanced skills in ecology, environmental sciences, and natural resource management.
- Work and learn in a department of ecology-accredited water quality lab.
- An opportunity to develop and demonstrate leadership skills within the environmental sciences and natural resources management.
- Gaining the experience and knowledge to restore and manage habitat in forests, natural areas, and freshwater habitats for native fish and wildlife species as well nearshore environment.
- Selective admission with fall quarter entry.
Important
- If you have opted out of receiving emails from SVC, you will not receive any program materials. Contact bachelors@skagit.edu to opt back in.
- Upper-division classes carry higher tuition rates than associate degree courses.
- Mandatory Onboarding for the 2025-26 Cohort: September 22nd, 10am-12pm, Angst Hall (A129).
Environmental Conversation, AAS-T
The Environmental Conservation Associate in Applied Science-Transfer(AAS-T) program is designed to meet the growing need for environmental and natural resource technicians within the natural resources and parkland areas. The effects from landscape uses such as forestry, agriculture, and urban development are the main focus of this degree. Graduates are employed by federal, state, county, and city governments, tribal entities or businesses managing natural resources. Employment by non-profit organizations is also on the rise.
Faculty and Staff
Department Chair
360.416.7749
claudia.avendano-ibarra@skagit.edu
I am a broadly trained ecologist with a specialty in entomology. Insects and their interactions with all parts of the environment are the fascinating forces that help the world keep running. I am especially interested in the important roles insects play in human-managed systems. I love teaching because I love sharing the wonders of the natural world with others. I believe in a student-centered classroom full of active learning experiences and building skills that students can apply in their careers and their lives.
Jon McKenzie, PhD
Pronounced: J-aw-n muh-KEN-zee
Faculty
As a marine biologist and fisheries researcher, I focus on preparing students for
careers in environmental sciences through hands-on field experiences and local examples
that connect classroom learning to real-world applications.
From studying lemon shark nurseries in Louisiana to conducting filtration experiments
with freshwater mussels in aquaculture systems, my career has focused on understanding
and conserving aquatic ecosystems. My teaching philosophy centers on engaging students
with practical fieldwork and fostering critical thinking to tackle complex conservation
challenges.
I believe in empowering students to apply scientific concepts to pressing environmental
issues, helping them build the skills and confidence needed for a meaningful career
in conservation.