A Sandpoint-area student conservation group will screen films about ocean restoration efforts on Friday evening as part of a fundraiser for an upcoming service trip to the Caribbean.
The Sandpoint Area Students Outdoor Adventure Club will present the Trees & Seas Film Festival at the Heartwood Center, located at 615 Oak Street in Sandpoint. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the screening beginning at 7 p.m.
Conservation Films from Coastal Communities
The festival features films focused on ocean conservation, showcasing how coastal communities worldwide collaborate to restore coral reefs and mangrove forests. The program also examines environmental pressures facing marine ecosystems, including impacts from tourism and other human activities.
The event serves as a major fundraiser for the club’s planned trip to the Dominican Republic, where student members will participate in marine restoration projects. Suggested admission is $20 per person, with all proceeds supporting the students’ travel and project costs.
Seven Years of Student Conservation Travel
The 2026 Dominican Republic trip will mark the seventh consecutive year that local students have traveled internationally for conservation work. Previous student expeditions have included projects in both the Dominican Republic and Belize, according to organizers.
Student participants have gained hands-on experience with reef restoration and marine ecosystem protection through these annual trips.
Silent Auction and Raffle to Support Students
In addition to the film screening, attendees can participate in a silent auction and raffle drawings throughout the evening. All funds raised through these activities will also go toward supporting the students’ conservation efforts and offsetting travel expenses.
More information about the Sandpoint Area Students Outdoor Adventure Club is available on the group’s Facebook page. Additional details about the Trees & Seas Film Festival can be found at treesandseasfilmfestival.com.
What Comes Next
The student group will continue fundraising activities in the coming months as members prepare for their summer conservation trip. The Dominican Republic project will focus on marine ecosystem restoration, building on lessons learned during previous international expeditions. Local supporters interested in contributing to the students’ conservation work can attend Friday’s screening or contact the club through its social media channels.