Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Join Mason Conservation District for the Eighth 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
Event Information
Join us as we plant native trees and shrubs to expand the buffer on Johns Creek at Bayshore Preserve, improving the habitat for migrating salmon, the orca's favorite food.
Date: October 18, 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Location: Bayshore Preserve
Funding for this project is provided by the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources, Urban and Community Forestry Program. These institutions are equal opportunity providers.
Join us as we plant native trees and shrubs to expand the buffer on Johns Creek at Bayshore Preserve, improving the habitat for migrating salmon, the orca's favorite food.
Date: October 18, 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Location: Bayshore Preserve
Funding for this project is provided by the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources, Urban and Community Forestry Program. These institutions are equal opportunity providers.
Parking is limited. We highly encourage carpooling!
Please bring the following:
Please bring the following:
- Gloves
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Layers for fall weather
Questions?
Contact our AmeriCorps member at [email protected]
Contact our AmeriCorps member at [email protected]