Orca Recovery Day
This regional day of action aims to improve conditions for the critically endangered Southern Resident Orca Whales. To support the recovery of our local orca pods, we all can contribute to the restoration of habitat for their food source, the Chinook Salmon.
Orca Recovery Day 2026!
The 9th Annual Orca Recovery Day is October 17th, 2026.
Volunteer At A Work Party October 17th!
9AM - 12PM | 5862 N Fork Rd Deming, WA 98244
Join Whatcom Land Trust, Whatcom Conservation District, and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association on October 17th at Lower Kenney Creek to get native plants in the ground to help build a riparian buffer — trees and shrubs situated along the bank of lakes, rivers, and streams — to keep the creek cold, clean, and clear enough to support healthy salmon populations. As we work, the care we bring to this creek becomes part of a larger, region-wide effort to restore the food source Southern Resident orcas depend on. Once we’ve planted the area, we’ll mulch the plants and remove invasive species that might hinder their growth.
Thank you to our Orca Recovery Day Partners!
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Why Are Southern Resident Orcas in Decline?
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They don't have enough food. Chinook salmon make up 80% of a Southern Resident orca’s diet, and they are also endangered due to habitat loss, climate change, and increased pollution.
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Contaminants in the water and their food decrease their health and make it harder for their calves to survive.
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Vessel noise and disturbance makes it harder for them to communicate and use echolocation to find their food.
What You Can Do
There’s strength in numbers. With all of us working together, we can all take actionable steps to save our orcas. You can plant native shrubs and trees, collect trash along roads and beaches, or expand your green space outside your office building--anything that makes the environment better than how you found it. You can also bring awareness by using the hashtag #OrcaRecoveryDay and donating to organizations that are helping with the cause.
Check out Past Orca Recovery Day Events!
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