What: A first-ever region wide day of action to connect people to Puget Sound, our critically endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales, and the work we all need to do to save them. A celebration of the place we call home and the most iconic species of the Pacific Northwest. Ten Conservation Districts across the Puget Sound will host restoration events that address two of the primary causes of orca whale decline: malnutrition due to salmon scarcity and increasing water pollution. These volunteer events will include salmon stream restoration plantings, rain garden installations, and marine shoreline restoration. Each event will also feature educational programming to inspire participants with ideas of what they can do every day to help orca recovery.
Why: The Southern Resident Killer Whales that call Puget Sound home are critically endangered. In the past few months alone, two of our local orcas died from a combination of malnutrition, polluted waters, and stress from local boat traffic. The local population is down to only 74 orcas. We must act now if we’re going to save the most iconic species of the Pacific Northwest and it will take people from across the region joining in to do so.
Puget Sound Conservation Districts are proud to provide opportunities for people around the region the chance to take action on this critical issue.
When: Saturday, November 10, 2018. Times vary by event.
Where:
Event details can be found at the website: BetterGround.org
10 locations region wide:
- Clallam County: Carrie Blake Park, Sequim, WA, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
- Whatcom County: Lake Terrell, Ferndale, WA, 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Mason County: Bayshore Preserve, Shelton, WA, 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Thurston County: Harmony Farms, Henderson Inlet, WA, 10:00am – 2:00pm
- Skagit County: Trumpeter Creek, Mount Vernon, WA, 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Whidbey Island: Whidbey Conservation District, Coupeville, WA, 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Pierce County: Tacoma Narrows Park, Gig Harbor, WA, 10:00am – 2:00pm
- King County: Judd Creek, Vashon Island, WA, 10:00am – 2:00pm
- Snohomish County: Woods Creek, Monroe, WA, 9:00am – 12:00pm
- San Juan Island: Site TBD, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Who: These events are family-friendly and designed for everyday people to volunteer in their local community to address the known factors that directly impact the health of our local orca whale population.
*There will be opportunities for video and photography of active volunteer activities in natural areas to improve water quality, enhance habitat for fish and celebrate our majestic Puget Sound.
Sponsorship:
Orca Recovery Day is made possible with the leadership of Puget Sound Conservation Districts and the generous financial support from:
- Ruth Foundation: A legacy of the Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation
- Washington State Conservation Commission
- Print NW
Interview Opportunities:
- Ryan Mello, Executive Director, Pierce Conservation District and Council Member City of Tacoma
- Stephanie Solien, Co-Chair Gov. Inslee’s Orca Recovery Task Force
- Monte Marti, Executive Director, Snohomish Conservation District
- Ron Schultz, Policy Director, Washington State Conservation Commission
- Patricia Hickey, Executive Director, Washington Association of Conservation Districts
For more information:
Visit the website: BetterGround.org to find more detailed information of day of activities, a detailed interactive story map of the issues facing Southern Resident Killer Whales, and examples of what people can do every day to help in the recovery efforts.
Press Contact:
Allan Warren
Communications & Development Manager
Pierce Conservation District
253-845-9770 x121 (work)
253.278.4320 (cell)