Saturday, October 17th, 2026
Join Mason Conservation District for the Ninth Annual Orca Recovery Day
You can do your part to help the Orca population.
About the Southern Resident Orcas
The Southern Resident Killer Whales were once a robust community of about 200 individuals. In the 20th century, their population crashed due to hunting, live capture, and environmental stressors. By the mid-1970s, only 71 remained. While conservation actions sparked a brief rebound in the 1990s, bringing numbers close to 98, the decline soon resumed. Today, this population is officially endangered.
Where We Stand Now (2025)
As of April 2025, there are approximately 74 Southern Residents, divided among J, K, and L pods. This small population is still declining, with threats like prey scarcity, pollution, and marine noise impeding their recovery.
Why Community Action Matters
Southern Resident whales depend on healthy salmon runs, clean water, and safe habitats. Tahlequah (J35), a grieving mother orca, captured global attention when she carried her deceased calf for over two weeks in 2018 and again in early 2025. Her story and broader conservation challenges underscore the urgent need for community action like Orca Recovery Day.
For more information and a history of Orca Recovery Day visit: https://betterground.org/ord
The Southern Resident Killer Whales were once a robust community of about 200 individuals. In the 20th century, their population crashed due to hunting, live capture, and environmental stressors. By the mid-1970s, only 71 remained. While conservation actions sparked a brief rebound in the 1990s, bringing numbers close to 98, the decline soon resumed. Today, this population is officially endangered.
Where We Stand Now (2025)
As of April 2025, there are approximately 74 Southern Residents, divided among J, K, and L pods. This small population is still declining, with threats like prey scarcity, pollution, and marine noise impeding their recovery.
Why Community Action Matters
Southern Resident whales depend on healthy salmon runs, clean water, and safe habitats. Tahlequah (J35), a grieving mother orca, captured global attention when she carried her deceased calf for over two weeks in 2018 and again in early 2025. Her story and broader conservation challenges underscore the urgent need for community action like Orca Recovery Day.
For more information and a history of Orca Recovery Day visit: https://betterground.org/ord
|
Join Mason CD & Capitol Land Trust for two volunteer events at Hilburn Preserve as we prepare for & plant a pollinator meadow to enhance biodiversity and provide habitat for pollinators that support salmon and Southern Resident orca populations.
Date: October 10 & 17, 2026 Time: 9am Location: Hilburn Preserve, 198 W Hulbert Rd., Shelton, WA 98584 Drop by one or both events, beginning each day at 9am. All supplies will be provided. Optional Event Pre-Registration |
Questions?
Contact our AmeriCorps member at [email protected]
Contact our AmeriCorps member at [email protected]