On Saturday, October 18, 2025,
communities across the Pacific Northwest will roll up their sleeves for Orca Recovery Day—a regional day of action dedicated to restoring salmon habitat, educating the public, and supporting the endangered Southern Resident orcas. On Whidbey and Camano Islands, this year’s events will include volunteer projects, hikes, and educational pop-ups hosted by the Whidbey Island Conservation District and Whidbey Camano Land Trust at the Keystone Preserve.
It’s more than just a volunteer day. For our islands, Orca Recovery Day is about remembering our shared history with these whales and choosing a future where they still have a place in our waters.
Why Orca Recovery Day Matters
The Southern Resident population remains fragile, with fewer than 80 individuals left. Their survival is tied directly to the health of salmon, especially Chinook, which make up the bulk of their diet. Without abundant salmon, the orcas cannot thrive.
That’s why the work we do on land—planting native trees along rivers, restoring shorelines, and keeping our distance—matters so much. These efforts improve spawning habitat for salmon, which in turn supports the whales that depend on them. Every tree planted provides shade for cool streams. Every invasive plant removed opens space for healthy ecosystems to return.
What to Expect on Whidbey and Camano Islands
This year’s Orca Recovery Day at Keystone Preserve will feature:
- Volunteer Work Parties: Hands-on restoration projects to improve riparian and shoreline habitat.
- Educational Activities: Learn from local organizations and conservation groups about the link between healthy land and thriving orcas.
- Guided Hikes & Tours: Explore and see firsthand how restoration makes a difference.
Beyond Whidbey and Camano Islands, events will also take place in nearby Stanwood and across the region, from planting native species to community clean-ups—all united under the goal of giving the orcas a fighting chance.
A Story Still Being Written
The story of the Southern Resident orcas is one of beauty and resilience. We cannot change the past, but we can shape what comes next. Each volunteer event, each habitat restored, each person who learns about these whales adds a new chapter—one that leans toward recovery.
This October 18, join your neighbors on Whidbey and Camano Islands for Orca Recovery Day from 10am-2pm at Keystone Preserve. Together, we can honor the past, take action in the present, and protect the future of these extraordinary whales. Learn More…
