It is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in North America. Students have convenient access to a wide range of coastal ecosystems including old growth rainforest, mountains with alpine and sub-alpine meadows, lakes, rivers, estuaries, rocky intertidal beaches, mud flats, kelp forests and eelgrass beds. Baranof Island is characterized by rugged peaks, lush old growth rainforest, clear streams with seasonally migrating and spawning salmon, hidden coves, small islands and hundreds of miles of deep fiords. Upper division classes average twelve students. Field projects are a common component of many classes.
Class size optimizes opportunities for feedback and dialog with the professor.
Students are employed year round to operate the hatchery. SJC operates a saltwater-freshwater wetlab with a wide range of commercial display aquaria, a touch table, and experimental tanks. Students are employed to maintain aquarium displays. Opportunities for graduates Environmental Science graduates are qualified for entry-level professional careers in applied sciences such as fisheries, forestry and wildlife biology. The program provides excellent preparation for graduate school in ecological disciplines.