Partner Events Throughout the Region
Together, let’s make a difference.
Pledge to Protect Southern Resident Orcas
Are you a boater? Boat noise and disturbance make it harder for Southern Residents to find and catch their prey. Pledge to stay 1,000 yards away from J, K and L pods, and give the whales the space they need to forage, rest and tend their young.
Jump to Your Region
North Puget Sound
Skagit County
Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group | Salmon spawning viewing in Clark Creek | Marblemount | October 18
Join our second Salmon Sightings event to view spawning salmon in Clark Creek! Each year around this date Skagit Fisheries holds an event like tree planting or salmon viewing to continue to restore Skagit salmon and to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Southern Resident Killer Whales, who rely on Skagit salmon as a food source.
The Salish Sea School | Trash pick-up | Cypress Island, Anacortes | October 18
Join us as we take a water taxi to Cypress Island to do a beach clean-up for Orca Recovery Day! There is a small charge of $20 per person to avoid cancellations. This event is funded by the Rose Foundation.
Whatcom County
Whatcom Conservation District, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Whatcom Land Trust | October 18
Plant a tree, leave a legacy! Join us for a day of habitat restoration at a new Whatcom Land Trust property on Kenney Creek, a tributary of the North Fork Nooksack River that provides spawning habitat for Chinook, chum, coho, and pink salmon, among other salmonids (steelhead, bull trout, cutthroat trout). We hope to see you out there!
San Juan Islands
Friends of the San Juans | Multiple Events
Spirit of Water with Chenoa Egawa | Friday Harbor | October 11
Join us for a powerful and moving evening of Indigenous song, ceremony, and teachings with Chenoa Egawa, artists, singer, storyteller, and environmental protector from the Lummi Nation and S’Klallam. Through story and sound, Chenoa will share ancestral wisdom and a heartfelt call to action to protect the sacred waters of the Salish Sea for salmon and Southern Resident killer whales.
Work Party at Neck Point Beach | Shaw Island | October 18
Join Friends of the San Juans shoreline ecosystem protection staff, students and community volunteers and help restore forage fish spawning habitat that indirectly supports Southern Resident killer whale recovery! Activities include: shoreline planting, debris removal and research surveys. Please wear sturdy shoes, work clothes and bring water and a sack lunch. Tools and work gloves will be provided.
Central Puget Sound
Island County
Whidbey Island Conservation District & Whidbey Camano Land Trust | Guided hike, tour, and work party | Keystone Preserve | October 18
Join us for a day of education and restoration to the public at Whidbey’s Keystone Preserve! Participants will tour the historic property and learn about the combination of factors on the property that work toward one goal: To mutually benefit the land and the sea in sustainable, attainable conservation practices. We’ll host educational vendor popups, lead an educational hike, and facilitate a volunteer work day to remove invasive plants and restore riparian and shoreline areas. We’ll focus on how all of these efforts support the health of the local Southern Resident orca population.
Snohomish County
Snohomish Conservation District | Tree planting & family-friendly activities | Ovenell Park, Stanwood | October 18
We’ll be planting native riparian vegetation and agroforestry plants, removing invasive species, and providing education on noxious weeds. Planting native riparian plants helps orcas by improving their prey’s habitat and abundance—specifically salmon—through healthier water systems and aquatic ecosystems, ultimately supporting the survival of our Southern Resident orcas.
We’ll supply the tools and gloves. Dress warmly— we’re planting rain or shine!
Whale Scout | Tree planting at Former Wayne Golf Course | Bothell | October 18
Join us to care for new native plantings at the former Wayne Golf Course. Vegetation will help shade and cool and clean a small stream emptying into the Sammamish River. Healthy riparian forests control erosion of riverbanks and host insects’ young salmon need early in life. The former Wayne Golf Course features nearly a mile of shoreline and is the largest City of Bothell Park. Activities will take place on the west side or “front nine.”
Friends of North Creek Forest | Volunteer work party | Bothell | October 18
Join us at North Creek Forest for a Volunteer Stewardship Work Party! Meet at 20204 108th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Dress for the weather. Closed-toed, sturdy shoes are required. Boots are highly recommended. Volunteers ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Tasks could include invasive species removal, spreading mulch, planting native species, watering young plants and more! Volunteer work parties provide great networking opportunities, an introduction to restoration ecology, and a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors!
Adopt A Stream Foundation | Multiple Events
Lawns to Native Plant Landscapes Class | September 27
Want more free time and a healthier ecosystem where you live? Want to save money, conserve water, fight climate change, and help out your local salmon stream and our Killer Whales? Convert your lawn to a native plant landscape! Learn about native plants and how to attract birds and pollinators, while adding beauty to your garden!
Killer Whale Tales | Northwest Stream Center | Everett | October 4
Join the Adopt A Stream Foundation community at the Northwest Stream Center on Saturday October 4th, at 1:00 PM to see Jeff Hogan and his presentation titled, “Killer Whale Tales.”
King County
King Conservation District | Tree planting at Snoqualmie Valley Youth Activities Center | North Bend | October 18
Every stream counts in our efforts to help our critically-endangered Southern Resident Orca. These beloved whales need healthy salmon populations to survive. So roll up your sleeves and help us restore Gardiner Creek. The waterway flows straight into the Snoqualmie River, which Chinook salmon rely on for cool, clean water.
Duwamish Alive | Trash clean-up, riparian plantings, & more | Multiple sites in the Duwamish Watershed | October 18
Celebrate with us the return of our river’s salmon which is home to all 5 salmon species. Because our ecosystems are interconnected from forests to the river, we will be working at multiple sites, many with salmon habitats, including river kayak cleanup. Learn about salmon, ecosystems and help care for these ancestral lands and waters of the Duwamish Peoples which we are honored to help steward. This is family friendly, ALL are welcome. Go to Duwamishalive.org for site and registration information.
Duwamish Alive & City of Tukwila | Urban Tree Planting | Duwamish Hill Preserve | Tukwila | October 18
Happy Duwamish Alive! Spend the day planting with Friends of the Hill, volunteer Forest Stewards, and keep Duwamish Hill Preserve healthy and sustainable. Join us and hundreds of volunteers at multiple sites, for a day of working in the Duwamish Watershed.
All tools and training will be provided.
City of Tukwila | Salmon Saturday | Tukwila Community Center | October 18
A bilingual (Spanish/English) festival for the community. This FREE event is all about Salmon and the river! Join us for an afternoon of learning about salmon, river health, making art, and learning what you can do to protect these fish. Hands-on activities Information for fishing Salmon viewing on the Duwamish River.
Weed Warriors Nature Stewards Program | Rain garden tour & weed removal | Burien | October 18
Participants will learn about the 3 demonstration rain gardens with the 1.6 acres of the New Start Community Garden (aka Shark Garden) and put their hands, gloves provided, to weed removal in and around the rain gardens.
World Relief Western Washington | Weed removal & cover crop planting | Paradise Parking Plots Community Garden | Kent | October 18
Join us at Paradise Parking Plots Community Garden on Saturday, Oct 18th from 9am-12pm to help prepare our garden for winter & remove invasive plants! Now that the growing season has ended, our garden plots are ready to be prepped for the winter. We need your help to amend our soil with healthy compost and plant protective winter cover crop in our 50 growing beds. These actions will prevent winter erosion of our soil, prevent nutrients from leaching into our waterways, and ensure we’re set up for a productive 2026 harvest! Additionally, as time allows, we will be removing invasive blackberry from our native restoration areas.
Orca Conservancy | Riparian restoration | Kent | October 18
Healthy ecosystems prevent riverbank erosion, regulate water temperatures favorable for juvenile salmon, and support insect populations that serve as vital prey during the salmon’s early life stages, ultimately improving the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance | Multiple Events
Annual International Coastal Cleanup at Alki Beach | Seattle | September 20
Join us for our annual flagship International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) at Alki Beach! Not only will you be helping remove litter from our shorelines, you’ll also be collecting data that will help inform legislation that protects our environment and communities from pollution. This event is children and family friendly, and all are welcome to join!
Trash-or-Treat Cleanup along Ship Canal Trail | Seattle | October 28
Join us for a spook-tacular event in celebration of Halloween! Puget Soundkeeper is excited to present our annual Trash-or-Treat Cleanup along the Ship Canal trail! Put on your favorite costume, gather your friends, and help us clear debris from the trail to protect the Ship Canal from litter and trash. Enjoy delicious fall-themed treats and beverages while you volunteer, and don’t miss the chance to enter our costume contest for a chance to win some exciting prizes for the best trash or litter themed costumes!
Green River Coalition & Green Kent | Green River Trailhead at Riverview Park, Kent | October 18
An annual day of helping our orca population by restoring riparian habitat along the Green River! By removing invasive species and planting native plants, you’ll help improve conditions for salmon, which are a food source for orcas. Orca Recovery Day is Co-Hosted with our Conservation Partner, Green River Coalition! To learn more about Green River Coalition, please visit their website. Registration must be completed through Kent Parks.
Pierce County Events
Pierce Conservation District | Work party at Trafton Slope | Tacoma | October 18
Volunteer with us by spending 3 hours working at the Trafton Slope Open Space. Activities include caring for existing plants, removing weeds, and mulching. This work supports our urban forests in doing the critical work of improving water quality for salmon and orca.
EarthCorps & Pierce Conservation District | Native tree & shrub planting at Tahoma Marsh | Tacoma | October 18
Orca Recovery Day is an opportunity to join EarthCorps and Pierce Conservation District to work to recover critically endangered Orca Whales and restore Salmon Habitat. EarthCorps will be hosting a native tree and shrub planting even at Tahoma Salt Marsh in Tacoma as part of the Commencement Bay Stewardship Collaborative’s mission to restore ecological integrity and salmon habitat.
Parks Tacoma | Native tree planting at Titlow Park | Tacoma | October 18
Join Parks Tacoma at Titlow Park to celebrate Orca Recovery Day 2025 through riparian restoration! On October 18th from 9:00am-noon, volunteers will be working near the lagoons to weed out invasive plants, spread mulch, and plant native species to improve ecosystem health for Puget Sound’s orcas and the salmon that they rely on!
West Puget Sound
Kitsap County
Kitsap Conservation District | Native planting | Poulsbo | October 17
Join us to install native plants along Dogfish creek in beautiful Poulsbo. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm, a pair of work gloves, your own snacks, and water. We’ll supply the tools and guidance.
Kitsap County | Guided nature walk & beaver education | Silverdale | October 11 |
Join Read, Roam, Rules for a guided 2-mile walk through our community as we uncover the real stories behind beaver habitats—where they thrive, where conflicts arise, and what’s being done to support coexistence—we’ll explore wetlands, look at restoration efforts, and discuss the challenges and solutions shaping the future of shared spaces for wildlife and people alike. Rain or shine. Prepare for a walk with proper shoes, layers, water, etc.
Mason County
Mason Conservation District | Tree planting | Bayshore Preserve, Shelton | October 18
MCD’s upcoming project will focus on removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species along local waterways. These native plants will restore healthy salmon habitat by stabilizing streambanks, filtering pollutants, and providing shade to keep water cool. Healthier salmon runs mean more food for the endangered Southern Resident orcas, helping to support their recovery.
Jefferson County
Jefferson County Conservation District & North Olympic Salmon Coalition | Riparian Planting | Port Townsend | October 18
Join Jefferson County Conservation District and North Olympic Salmon Coalition to plant native trees and shrubs along Salmon Creek!
Clallam County
Clallam Conservation District | Beach clean-up | Port Angeles | October 18
Clallam Conservation District is excited to host several events to support Orca Recovery. Join us for a beach clean-up in Port Angeles, tree planting on the Elwha River, and educational walk along the Dungeness River.
Snohomish Conservation District | Tree planting & family-friendly activities | Ovenell Park, Stanwood | October 18
We’ll be planting native riparian vegetation and agroforestry plants, removing invasive species, and providing education on noxious weeds. Planting native riparian plants helps orcas by improving their prey’s habitat and abundance—specifically salmon—through healthier water systems and aquatic ecosystems, ultimately supporting the survival of our Southern Resident orcas.
We’ll supply the tools and gloves. Dress warmly— we’re planting rain or shine!
Whale Scout | Tree planting at Former Wayne Golf Course | Bothell | October 18
Join us to care for new native plantings at the former Wayne Golf Course. Vegetation will help shade and cool and clean a small stream emptying into the Sammamish River. Healthy riparian forests control erosion of riverbanks and host insects’ young salmon need early in life. The former Wayne Golf Course features nearly a mile of shoreline and is the largest City of Bothell Park. Activities will take place on the west side or “front nine.”
Friends of North Creek Forest | Volunteer work party | Bothell | October 18
Join us at North Creek Forest for a Volunteer Stewardship Work Party! Meet at 20204 108th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Dress for the weather. Closed-toed, sturdy shoes are required. Boots are highly recommended. Volunteers ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Tasks could include invasive species removal, spreading mulch, planting native species, watering young plants and more! Volunteer work parties provide great networking opportunities, an introduction to restoration ecology, and a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors!
Duwamish Alive | Trash clean-up, riparian plantings, & more | Multiple sites in the Duwamish Watershed | October 18
Celebrate with us the return of our river’s salmon which is home to all 5 salmon species. Because our ecosystems are interconnected from forests to the river, we will be working at multiple sites, many with salmon habitats, including river kayak cleanup. Learn about salmon, ecosystems and help care for these ancestral lands and waters of the Duwamish Peoples which we are honored to help steward. This is family friendly, ALL are welcome. Go to Duwamishalive.org for site and registration information.
Duwamish Alive & City of Tukwila | Urban Tree Planting | Duwamish Hill Preserve | October 18
Happy Duwamish Alive! Spend the day planting with Friends of the Hill, volunteer Forest Stewards, and keep Duwamish Hill Preserve healthy and sustainable. Join us and hundreds of volunteers at multiple sites, for a day of working in the Duwamish Watershed.
All tools and training will be provided.
City of Tukwila | Salmon Saturday | Tukwila Community Center | October 18
A bilingual (Spanish/English) festival for the community. This FREE event is all about Salmon and the river! Join us for an afternoon of learning about salmon, river health, making art, and learning what you can do to protect these fish. Hands-on activities Information for fishing Salmon viewing on the Duwamish River.
Weed Warriors Nature Stewards Program | Rain garden tour & weed removal | October 18
Participants will learn about the 3 demonstration rain gardens with the 1.6 acres of the New Start Community Garden (aka Shark Garden) and put their hands, gloves provided, to weed removal in and around the rain gardens.
World Relief Western Washington | Weed removal & cover crop planting | Paradise Parking Plots Community Garden, Kent | October 18
Join us at Paradise Parking Plots Community Garden on Saturday, Oct 18th from 9am-12pm to help prepare our garden for winter & remove invasive plants! Now that the growing season has ended, our garden plots are ready to be prepped for the winter. We need your help to amend our soil with healthy compost and plant protective winter cover crop in our 50 growing beds. These actions will prevent winter erosion of our soil, prevent nutrients from leaching into our waterways, and ensure we’re set up for a productive 2026 harvest! Additionally, as time allows, we will be removing invasive blackberry from our native restoration areas.
Orca Conservancy | Riparian restoration | Kent | October 18
Healthy ecosystems prevent riverbank erosion, regulate water temperatures favorable for juvenile salmon, and support insect populations that serve as vital prey during the salmon’s early life stages, ultimately improving the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance | Multiple Events
Annual International Coastal Cleanup at Alki Beach | September 20
Join us for our annual flagship International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) at Alki Beach! Not only will you be helping remove litter from our shorelines, you’ll also be collecting data that will help inform legislation that protects our environment and communities from pollution. This event is children and family friendly, and all are welcome to join!
Trash-or-Treat Cleanup along Ship Canal Trail | October 28
Join us for a spook-tacular event in celebration of Halloween! Puget Soundkeeper is excited to present our annual Trash-or-Treat Cleanup along the Ship Canal trail! Put on your favorite costume, gather your friends, and help us clear debris from the trail to protect the Ship Canal from litter and trash. Enjoy delicious fall-themed treats and beverages while you volunteer, and don’t miss the chance to enter our costume contest for a chance to win some exciting prizes for the best trash or litter themed costumes!
Parks Tacoma | Titlow Park | October 18
Kitsap County | Guided nature walk & beaver education | Silverdale | October 11 |
Join Read, Roam, Rules for a guided 2-mile walk through our community as we uncover the real stories behind beaver habitats—where they thrive, where conflicts arise, and what’s being done to support coexistence—we’ll explore wetlands, look at restoration efforts, and discuss the challenges and solutions shaping the future of shared spaces for wildlife and people alike. Rain or shine. Prepare for a walk with proper shoes, layers, water, etc.
Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group | Salmon spawning viewing in Clark Creek | Marblemount | October 18
Join our second Salmon Sightings event to view spawning salmon in Clark Creek! Each year around this date Skagit Fisheries holds an event like tree planting or salmon viewing to continue to restore Skagit salmon and to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Southern Resident Killer Whales, who rely on Skagit salmon as a food source.
Mason Conservation District | Tree planting | Bayshore Preserve, Shelton | October 18
MCD’s upcoming project will focus on removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species along local waterways. These native plants will restore healthy salmon habitat by stabilizing streambanks, filtering pollutants, and providing shade to keep water cool. Healthier salmon runs mean more food for the endangered Southern Resident orcas, helping to support their recovery.
Clallam Conservation District |
Pierce Conservation District | Work party at Trafton Slope, Tacoma | October 18
Volunteer with us by spending 3 hours working at the Trafton Slope Open Space. Activities include caring for existing plants, removing weeds, and mulching. This work supports our urban forests in doing the critical work of improving water quality for salmon and orca.
Whidbey Island Conservation District & Whidbey Camano Land Trust | Guided hike, tour, and work party | Keystone Preserve | October 18
Join us for a day of education and restoration to the public at Whidbey’s Keystone Preserve! Participants will tour the historic property and learn about the combination of factors on the property that work toward one goal: To mutually benefit the land and the sea in sustainable, attainable conservation practices. We’ll host educational vendor popups, lead an educational hike, and facilitate a volunteer work day to remove invasive plants and restore riparian and shoreline areas. We’ll focus on how all of these efforts support the health of the local Southern Resident orca population.
The Salish Sea School | Trash pick-up | Cypress Island, Anacortes | October 18
Join us as we take a water taxi to Cypress Island to do a beach clean-up for Orca Recovery Day! There is a small charge of $20 per person to avoid cancellations. This event is funded by the Rose Foundation.
Friends of the San Juans | Multiple Events
Spirit of Water with Chenoa Egawa | Friday Harbor | October 11
Join us for a powerful and moving evening of Indigenous song, ceremony, and teachings with Chenoa Egawa, artists, singer, storyteller, and environmental protector from the Lummi Nation and S’Klallam. Through story and sound, Chenoa will share ancestral wisdom and a heartfelt call to action to protect the sacred waters of the Salish Sea for salmon and Southern Resident killer whales.
Work Party at Neck Point Beach | Shaw Island | October 18
Join Friends of the San Juans shoreline ecosystem protection staff, students and community volunteers and help restore forage fish spawning habitat that indirectly supports Southern Resident killer whale recovery! Activities include: shoreline planting, debris removal and research surveys. Please wear sturdy shoes, work clothes and bring water and a sack lunch. Tools and work gloves will be provided.
Jefferson County Conservation District & North Olympic Salmon Coalition | Riparian Planting | Port Townsend | October 19
Join Jefferson County Conservation District and North Olympic Salmon Coalition to plant native trees and shrubs along Salmon Creek!
San Juan Islands Conservation District | Garry Oak Maintenance | Shooting Star Meadow Preserve | October 19
Join us for a day of hands-on conservation with the San Juan Preservation Trust, focusing on weeding, Garry oak maintenance, and an insightful discussion on how upland water processes impact the Salish Sea and its marine life, especially in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Thurston Conservation District | Garry Oak Maintenance | Squaxin Park | October 19
Join Thurston Conservation District and City of Olympia at Squaxin Park (Formerly Priest Point Park) for our annual Orca Recovery Day! Volunteers are invited to be a part of the solution for our endangered Southern Resident orca whales. During this restoration event, we will work together to restore forested habitats to their intended state by removing non-indigenous vegetation and planting Pacific Northwest trees and shrubs. The day will also include a guided shore walk, refreshments, and a chance to learn about other organizations helping to better our orcas! Being a part of Orca Recovery Day is an opportunity for you to make a difference for our endangered Southern Resident orca whales!
Palouse Conservation District | Riparian restoration | Paradise Creek | October 19
Join Palouse Conservation District for a volunteer planting event to celebrate Orca Recovery Day, a statewide campaign to restore vital habitat for the orca’s food source, Chinook salmon, and work to create better ocean conditions for the orcas. Far from ocean waters, surrounded by a sea of rolling hills, you can be part of the solution on Saturday, October 19th from 9am-12pm. Volunteers will be participating in a stream restoration project along a waterway in the Palouse River Watershed to address water quality issues. This is a family-friendly event. The water quality of creeks and rivers of the Palouse have a direct impact on the bodies of water downstream. Urban development, agricultural runoff, and soil erosion have changed our creeks creating degraded water conditions. Restoration efforts including planting native plants along stream banks, improves soil and water quality and creates habitat for wildlife. Site selection is currently in progress, but will be between Moscow and Pullman. The exact location will be provided to participants prior to the event.
Whatcom Conservation District | Riparian restoration | Blaine | October 19
Join Whatcom Conservation District, Whatcom Land Trust, and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for a day of Chinook salmon habitat restoration along California Creek. We’ll build upon past years’ restoration of other stretches of the creek to help the food source of our Southern Resident Orcas.
MidCoast Watersheds Council | Starr Creek Preserve, Newport | October 18
Join MidCoast Watersheds Council for a volunteer riparian planting day at Starr Creek, in support of Orca recovery. Earlier this year, Starr Creek Preserve saw a major restoration effort, with over 200 logs strategically placed in the stream and floodplain to create complex, healthy habitat for salmon. Now, we’re working to restore native vegetation to enhance these efforts and support long-term ecosystem health. All are welcome—come help us bring native plants back to this special site!
Friends of North Creek Forest & City of Bothell | Invasive weed removal | Bothell | October 19
Join us at North Creek Forest for a Volunteer Stewardship Work Party! Meet at 20204 108th Ave NE, Bothell, WA 98011. Tools and work gloves will be provided. Dress for the weather. Closed-toed, sturdy shoes are required. Boots are highly recommended. Volunteers ages 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Tasks could include invasive species removal, spreading mulch, planting native species, watering young plants and more! Volunteer work parties provide great networking opportunities, an introduction to restoration ecology, and a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors!
Hazelwood Elementary School | Mini Warriors: Kids Unite Against Microplastics | Lynnwood | October 19
Hazelwood Elementary’s 4th Grade classes will be hosting a microplastic festival entitled Microplastic Matters: Dive into Knowledge!
Sound Salmon Solutions | Riparian restoration | West of Darrington | October 19
Our local southern resident orcas rely on the endangered chinook salmon as their main food source to survive. Due to habitat loss, climate change, and increased pollution, it has become even more difficult for migrating salmon to make the journey home to grow their population. In order to save our orcas, we must start with our salmon. Join Sound Salmon Solutions in celebration of Orca Recovery Day by planting native trees and shrubs along the North Fork Stillaguamish River to restore salmon spawning habitat which will in turn support the recovery of our southern resident orcas. Volunteers ages 5+ with parent/guardian are encouraged to join us. Exact location will be shared with registered participants.
Whale Scout | Riparian restoration | Former Wayne Golf Course | October 19
Join Whale Scout to restore salmon habitat along the Sammamish River in Bothell.
Adopt A Stream Foundation | Streaming party of “Killer Whale Tales” | Everett | October 15
Join the Adopt A Stream Foundation community at the Northwest Stream Center on Saturday October 5th, at 1 PM to see Jeff Hogan and his presentation titled, “Killer Whale Tales.” “Jeff Hogan’s entertaining presentation is not only very educational, but fun for young and old.” says Adopt A Stream Foundation’s Tom Murdoch. “He is not only a great teacher and photographer, but a trained actor to boot. Jeff puts on a ‘whale of a show’!”
Thanks to amazing video photography by Jeff Hogan from Killer Whale Tales (killerwhaletales.org), you will learn about the “Southern Pod.” They reside in waters around the San Juan Islands and make occasional trips south into Puget Sound. Jeff will teach you to recognize if the Orcas you see in Puget Sound are hunting for salmon, traveling from one area to another, or just playing as they leap and splash. You will also observe these magnificent whales sleeping….they sleep “on the move” by putting one-half of their extremely large brain to sleep while navigating with the other half!
Kitsap County Parks | Multiple Events
Invasive Weed Removal (October 5-19)
Please bring any tools you will need for the work. Some tools will be provided. We recommend long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes/boots. Please also bring any water, snacks, or medication you may need for the duration of the event.
- October 5: Chico Salmon Park
- October 12: Banner Forest Heritage Park
- October 12: North Kitsap Heritage Park
- October 19: Coulter Creek Heritage Park
- October 19: Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park
- October 19: Newberry Hill Heritage Park
Chico Salmon Park | Guided in-stream chum and coho salmon viewing | October 26
Salmon docents (guides) will provide education about salmon, salmon habitat, and how we can all get involved in their protection. Join us in watching the salmon return to their spawning streams.
Whidbey Island Conservation District | Riparian restoration | Cornet Bay, Deception Pass State Park | October 19
Save the date for this year’s Orca Recovery Day celebration at Cornet Bay! Several walk and talk events through out the day will be intermingled with volunteering at shoreline restoration plantings. Featuring: Island County Marine Resources Committee, Northwest Straits Foundation, Sound Water Stewards, and Orca Network.
The Salish Sea School | Educational booth at Anacortes Farmers Market | October 12
Education and outreach at our booth at the Anacortes Farmers Market including a book about Tokitae written by a local teenager, inspired by Tokitae’s story.
Whidbey Camano Land Trust | Multiple Events | October 2-26
Riparian restoration | Dugualla Heights Conservation, Oak Harbor | October 2
Thistle and blackberry–oh my! Come remove weeds at this restoration site next to Skagit Bay.
Guided nature tour | Camano Ridge, Camano Island | October 5
Join us for a tour of one of the largest contiguous properties on Camano Island an, as such, provides critical wildlife habitat.
Invasive weed removal | Keystone Farm and Forest Preserve, Coupeville | October 17
Come celebrate Orcas by working on this preserve along Admiralty Bay. Assist with weed removal, trail building, and other restoration projects!
Trash pick-up | Keystone Farm and Forest Preserve, Coupeville | October 26
Come clean up the beach for the Orcas. We are partnering Puget Soundkeepers of International Coastal Cleanups to clean up 2/3 mile of coastline along Admiralty Bay
Sound Water Stewards of Island County | Trash pick-up | Camano Island State Park | October 15
Grab a pail, save a whale! Join Sound Water Stewards as we cleanup the beaches and forest of Camano Island State Park. Partnering with WSU Waste Wise, we repurposed plastic plant pots to be used at this event…youth sizes as well! Play a part in the protection of the Saratoga Passage Marine Stewardship Area…home to threatened salmon and orca. Sea you there!
San Juan Islands Conservation District | Garry Oak Maintenance | Shooting Star Meadow Preserve | October 19
Join us for a day of hands-on conservation with the San Juan Preservation Trust, focusing on weeding, Garry oak maintenance, and an insightful discussion on how upland water processes impact the Salish Sea and its marine life, especially in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Orca Network | Virtual Talks
Orca-Salmon Month webinar – “Uncovering Recovery”. It has been almost 20 years since Southern Resident orcas were listed as endangered, but their numbers are not increasing. Join us as we discuss what needs to be done differently in order to see real recovery.
Killer Whale Tales | Learn about salmon and their impact on orca!
Ever wondered what Southern Resident whale diets reveal about marine ecosystems? Join us for a fascinating online hands-on activity where you’ll step into the shoes of a marine scientist. In this interactive event, you’ll examine fish scales collected from predation events, analyzing the data to uncover crucial information about whale feeding patterns. What You’ll Do: Analyze fish scales to determine the types of fish consumed by whales. Chart and record data on the timing and locations of these feeding events. Trace the origins of the fish to their spawning streams. The session will culminate in a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of protecting the spawning habitats of salmon and their impact on marine life. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to marine science from the comfort of your home! Sign up now at Eventbrite to reserve your spot and dive into the depths of marine research!
Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group | Riparian Planting | Skagit River, South Mount Vernon | October 19
Join us for our first planting party of fall 2024! Help us celebrate Orca Recovery Day by planting trees to enhance habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whales’ favorite food: Chinook salmon.
When: October 19 from 9am-Noon at the Skagit River in South Mount Vernon.
Where: Located near the intersection of Dike and Hazel
Google Map Driving Directions from Mt Vernon: From Downtown Mount Vernon head west on W Kincaid St, toward the river, and turn south on Cleveland Ave. Continue down this road about 0.5miles and take a right (west) on W Hazel St. Follow W Hazel for about 0.3miles and as the road begins to bend left slow down and look for a ramp leading up to the dike, do not drive up, but note you will walk up this ramp to find our event. On the adjacent side of the road there is room for parking, but you may have to drive down the road and turn around.
Parking Instructions: We recommend finding a spot along a nearby street or on W Hazel St where space allows. Please be mindful when parking along W Hazel St and do not block folks’ driveways or take a home’s personal parking spot. Please carpool!
Mason Conservation District | Riparian restoration | Salish Roots Farm | October 19
Orca Recovery Day is Saturday, October 19th, at Salish Roots Farm from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join us as we plant native trees and shrubs to expand the buffer on Skookum Creek, improving the habitat for migrating salmon, the orca’s favorite food.
Jefferson County Conservation District & North Olympic Salmon Coalition | Riparian Planting | Port Townsend, WA | October 19
Come join us again in celebrating Orca Recovery Day as the Jefferson County Conservation District and the North Olympic Salmon Coalition team up for a planting event at Salmon Creek! This is important habitat for Endangered Hood Canal summer chum salmon. Recent studies have shown that when Chinook salmon, the preferred prey of Southern Resident Orcas, is in short supply, they’ll supplement their diet with other species, including chum salmon.
Thurston Conservation District | Garry Oak Maintenance | Squaxin Park | October 19
Join Thurston Conservation District and City of Olympia at Squaxin Park (Formerly Priest Point Park) for our annual Orca Recovery Day! Volunteers are invited to be a part of the solution for our endangered Southern Resident orca whales. During this restoration event, we will work together to restore forested habitats to their intended state by removing non-indigenous vegetation and planting Pacific Northwest trees and shrubs. The day will also include a guided shore walk, refreshments, and a chance to learn about other organizations helping to better our orcas! Being a part of Orca Recovery Day is an opportunity for you to make a difference for our endangered Southern Resident orca whales!
Palouse Conservation District | Riparian restoration | Paradise Creek | October 19
Join Palouse Conservation District for a volunteer planting event to celebrate Orca Recovery Day, a statewide campaign to restore vital habitat for the orca’s food source, Chinook salmon, and work to create better ocean conditions for the orcas. Far from ocean waters, surrounded by a sea of rolling hills, you can be part of the solution on Saturday, October 19th from 9am-12pm. Volunteers will be participating in a stream restoration project along a waterway in the Palouse River Watershed to address water quality issues. This is a family-friendly event. The water quality of creeks and rivers of the Palouse have a direct impact on the bodies of water downstream. Urban development, agricultural runoff, and soil erosion have changed our creeks creating degraded water conditions. Restoration efforts including planting native plants along stream banks, improves soil and water quality and creates habitat for wildlife. Site selection is currently in progress, but will be between Moscow and Pullman. The exact location will be provided to participants prior to the event.
Clallam Conservation District | Riparian restoration | Port Angeles | October 17
Join us for educational and volunteer events designed to bring awareness to the plight of the southern resident orca whale.
Pierce Conservation District | Multiple events
Urban tree planting in Orting | October 19
Join PCD’s habitat team as we celebrate Orca Recovery Day at South Prairie Creek Preserve! We will be planting a mix of trees and shrubs throughout the site to enhance salmon habitat along the creek. South Prairie Creek Preserve is one of the most productive salmon runs in the area and greatly contribute to our resident orcas primary food source.
Invasive weed removal in Puyallup | October 19
Volunteer with PCD by spending 3 hours at Bradley Lake Park in Puyallup. Activities include caring for existing plants and removing invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry and thistle. This work supports water quality, our local wildlife, and pollinators. Exact meeting location will be provided after signing up.
Trash pick-up & urban tree planting in Tacoma | October 19
Join your neighbors as we plant this depaved space in Hilltop. Volunteers depaved this area in May this year, and now we need to green it up. Come help install native and pollinator-friendly plants, meet neighbors, and make new friends!
Duwamish Alive Coalition | Trash clean-up, riparian plantings, & more | Duwamish Watershed | October 19
Join our efforts throughout the watershed and on the river removing debris, caring for vital salmon habitat and our upland forests — it’s all connected to our Puget Sound and Orcas. The Duwamish Watershed supports all 5 salmon species including the critical Chinook which Orca need to survive.
World Relief Western WA | Cover crop planting | Kent | October 19
Join us at Paradise Parking Plots Community Garden on Saturday, Oct 19th from 9am-12pm to help prepare our garden for winter! Now that the growing season has ended, our garden plots are ready to be prepped for the winter. We need your help to amend our soil with healthy compost and plant protective winter cover crop in our 50 growing beds. These actions will prevent winter erosion of our soil, capture nutrients for next season, and ensure we’re set up for a productive 2024 harvest!
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance | Kayak clean up | Ha’apus/T107 Park, Seattle | October 19
Puget Soundkeeper will be working with the River Access Paddle Program to provide several kayak cleanup opportunities during the fall Duwamish Alive! event at Ha’apus/T701 Park.
Weed Warriors Nature Stewards Program | Invasive weed removal | October 19
Volunteers welcome and needed for the demonstration rain garden restoration at the New Start community garden. Weed Warriors provide the tools and the gloves. Come and have fun celebrating Orca Recovery Day with like-minded environmentalists! 10 AM to noon. Location: 614 SW 120th St. Burien, WA
Whatcom Conservation District | Riparian restoration | Blaine | October 19
Join Whatcom Conservation District, Whatcom Land Trust, and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association for a day of Chinook salmon habitat restoration along California Creek. We’ll build upon past years’ restoration of other stretches of the creek to help the food source of our Southern Resident Orcas.
MidCoast Watersheds Council | Starr Creek Preserve, Newport | October 18
Join MidCoast Watersheds Council for a volunteer riparian planting day at Starr Creek, in support of Orca recovery. Earlier this year, Starr Creek Preserve saw a major restoration effort, with over 200 logs strategically placed in the stream and floodplain to create complex, healthy habitat for salmon. Now, we’re working to restore native vegetation to enhance these efforts and support long-term ecosystem health. All are welcome—come help us bring native plants back to this special site!
