The Evergreen State College mascot is the gʷídəq (geoduck in English, Panopea generosa in Latin). We’re proud to be represented by this noble bivalve in both spirit (Omnia extares and “Dig Deep”) and in deed–the muddy shorelines of Eastern Pacific inlets are the natural habitat for this large clam, revered as both an impressive bioturbating species of the nearshore subtidal and as an internationally recognized delicacy for human and animal alike. While we do not immediately have plans to cultivate this species at the shellfish garden, the larvae are welcome to make their home on our beach!

(Note:  contrary to what students often believe, the large clam most  commonly found at the beach (at intertidal depths where they are more  accessible) that closely resembles the geoduck is the gaper (aka horse) clam Tresus capax. A fine clam indeed, but not as large or as gaping as the geoduck!) 

Learn more about our esteemed college mascot here.