2019 Orca Recovery Day in Snohomish Conservation District
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We were pleased that over 70 events occurred across the region this saturday.
Officially recognized by Governor Jay Inslee, October 19 was the second annual Orca Recovery Day. Snohomish Conservation District led an event on Woods Creek in Monroe, and our partners held planting events also in Monroe, Everett and Bothell. It was a rainy day and the Huskies were playing, but the hardy came out to help our Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Mukilteo
In partnership with the Snohomish County Marine Resources Committee and the Northwest Straits Foundation, Snohomish Conservation District hosted a talk at the City of Mukilteo’s Rosehill Community Center. Two speakers, Richard Osborne and Jacques White, presented on the history of orcas in our region, their food sources, and events and actions that have led them to their diminished status in the Salish Sea. Around 100 people attended, including Councilwoman Stephanie Wright, and several students from the environmental program at Lynnwood High School, to hear how our actions can affect their survival into the future.
Woods Creek - SCD Hosted
While the rain and mud tried to keep them indoors, around 15 people came out to plant 260 plants on Woods Creek at the site of the 2018 Orca Recovery Day location. Despite the muck, those who attended were engaged and excited to be there. They even saw salmon in the creek, which further confirms the importance to create buffers to protect these inland waterways for spawning salmon.
“I told my husband, ‘We’re the only ones who will be wearing raincoats!’” said Barbara Sholl, one of the volunteers originally from New Hampshire. She wanted to help in order to spend time with like-minded people who care about our local whales.
“We are part of the ecosystem, and it’s important that we maintain that connection to the earth and the land and other species,” said Lorraine, another volunteer. “Everyone needs to actively participate.”
Al Borlin Park - Monroe
Report from Lisa Syravong with Sound Salmon Solutions (SSS)
Sound Salmon Solutions hosted a native tree planting event as part of an Eagle Scout project for Boy Scouts of America. Bryan Schmid who is a local scout from Lake Stevens and part of Troop 39 in Maltby helped to organize the event. We hosted 37 volunteers including: Bryan Schmid of Troop 39 and other Boy Scouts from Troop 120 (Everett) and Troop 39 (Maltby). In addition, we were so honored to welcome Ed Schein, long-time environmental activist and volunteer as well as SSS benefactor - Ed and his late wife Bonnie made a private donation to SSS for our project at Al Borlin Park, to restore riparian habitat along the Skykomish River. In addition, we were truly honored to also host City of Monroe Mayor: Geoffrey Thomas who presented the Mayors Coin for "Community, Compassion and Perserverance" to Sound Salmon Solutions, Bryan Schmid - our Eagle Scout and Ed Schein. Mayor Thomas was able to stay for the duration of the event - and even took the opportunity during lunchtime to talk with the Boy Scouts in attendance about a portion of their "Citizen in the Community" Merit Badge - to complete the portion where they meet with a local elected official to discuss a local issue and to address what steps are taking place re: this issue and how young people can help.
Together we planted 175 trees and logged 180 volunteer hours which was incredible!
Photos: Sound Salmon Solutions
Howarth Park in Everett
About 10 people were contentedly helping ferns by removing invasive species like buttercup, ivy and blackberry, and spreading mulch on a hillside above Puget Sound. Green Everett Partnership, sponsored by Forterra and the City of Everett, took this project on for Orca Day.
North Creek Forest in Bothell
Around 100 volunteers were busy cleaning up a hillside in North Creek Forest adjacent to 405 in Bothell. The access road sits on the backside of 112th near the Beardslee Pub and many apartment complexes. Friends of North Creek Forest and Whale Scout hosting an informational and hospitality booth with warm drinks and snacks. The rain didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of both young and old.
The Stats:
40 volunteers, including a handful of kids + 12 nearby in a different part of the forest
2 cubic yards of blackberry roots and other invasives removed
70 shrubs/trees planted
1 cubic yard of compost used with planting
2.5 yards of mulch spread
“I like the way your photos capture how wet it really was. Yes, it was heartwarming that so many people showed up on such a rainy and chilly day!” -Thorly from Whale Scout
*And, just on the other side of Bothell in King County, King Conservation District had another 50 at Parr Creek.
Now What?
Orca Recovery Day isn’t just one day out of the year- it’s an intentional choice to be more aware of our impact on the environment, good and bad. Here are 10 actions you can take in your daily life to help make the Puget Sound a healthier place for our wildlife:
Support Salmon Habitat Restoration
Plant Trees
Use Natural Yard Care Practices
Properly Dispose of Litter, Garbage and Pet Waste
Safely Dispose of Medicine
Fix Car Leaks
Make your waterfront property Shore Friendly
Volunteer on Local Conservation Projects
Install a Rain Garden
Wash Your Car at a Carwash
With Governor Inslee’s acknowledgement of this being an annual event, we hope to continue to host planting and other restoration events across the Puget Sound, state and region. More importantly, we hope that people become aware of their individual actions playing into orca health and recovery.
