By Hannah Kett, Cities Program Manager
Orca whales are the iconic species of the Pacific Northwest – we gather to watch pods swim down our coast lines and mourn when we hear of death. They are also keystone species in the ecosystem of our waterways, illustrating the need for healthy salmon and clean water. With just over 70 Southern Resident killer whales left – we need to act now, together to save this species.
We need all the tools in our toolbox to support the health of these orca - policy, funding, science and on-the-ground projects. We all have the opportunity to be part of their health – and in turn, the health of our environment and communities.
Orca Recovery Day is an opportunity for us to work together – and change some of our habits – to be part of this fight. Launched in 2018 by Washington Conservation Districts, Orca Recovery Day is designed to be an intentional day of action to advocate for orca, restore habitat, reduce stormwater pollution and learn more about everyday action.
This year may look a little different – but the work is no less important or urgent. This year, there are still opportunities to volunteer in person AND an opportunity to take action from your home and neighborhood by joining a team (or creating your own) through the Orca Recovery Day Ecochallenge! An Ecochallenge is an opportunity for each of us to commit to individual actions (like planting trees, picking up trash or connecting with our elected officials) that collectively lead to big changes for our health and the health of our orcas.
Want to join this effort? Sign up today and select the actions that feel meaningful to you – and then report back on the actions that you complete! From Oct. 5 to Nov. 5, the actions that you take contribute to your team’s points – and to the collective impact of Orca Recovery Day. The team with the most points at the end of the challenge will win a prize. You can join The Nature Conservancy’s team – or create your own!
We’ll share the results of the EcoChallenge in mid-November. Use #OrcaRecoveryDay on social media to share what actions you are taking!
Learn about the other ways that The Nature Conservancy in Washington is supporting the health of our Orca:
