Join The Salish Sea School naturalist Kyra Ballas in this fun talk about the natural and cultural history of Octopuses in Washington State! From legends of king octopuses, to arms for brains, these amazing animals have held our minds and imaginations for generations - and have an amazing story about how they have become an icon of the Salish Sea!

About the Presenter - Exploring the mud puddles and forests of Washington State as a child, Kyra’s early curiosity for the plants and animals of the Pacific Northwest has turned into a lifelong love. Kyra has had 10 years of experience supporting environmental nonprofits by leading programs across the deserts of Eastern Oregon, the Central Cascades, and the forests and waters of the Salish Sea. Whether she is helping students look for isopods in the intertidal zone or supporting the development of future programs, her work in the nonprofit sector has been a powerful extension of her personal mission: connecting community to nature through education and action.Kyra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Western Washington University, with minors in Environmental Policy and Environmental Education.On her days off, you can find Kyra exploring trails with her dog, Allu, birdwatching, or tending to her ever-growing collection of houseplants.