Find the campaign platform here.
Whale Scout engages the community in restoring salmon habitat addressing a critical problem for orcas: lack of food. Improving riparian areas alongside Chinook-bearing rivers and streams, we’re directly saving the whales we all love to observe in the wild.
Killer whales act as a powerful lead-in to participation in river restoration and water quality actions. Every year we try to be even more impactful than the last. Next year we’re prioritizing equity in our programs restoring habitat along Bear Creek and the Sammamish River at the former Wayne Golf Course, where the community is rebuilding connections to salmon and the Sammamish River. Now a City of Bothell Park with nearly a mile of shoreline habitat preserved, the majority of land is set aside for conservation and passive recreation. This public park is the last remaining large property with the potential to return the heavily modified Sammamish river to a more natural state.
Grants can’t fill all the financial gaps needed to effectively function. Your support is absolutely critical for our organization to operate in 2024. Bonus: a generous donor offered to match the first donations up to $1,000! Donate today at our campaign website.
Special Perks for your donations!
Did you know that our “Protect the Earth, Save the Orcas” logo gear is only available online once a year? Now is the time to pick up these items that make great gifts while supporting a cause.
With just over 70 endangered Southern Resident killer whales remaining in this population, we’re serious about getting work done. Here’s what we plan to do in 2024 your support from this campaign:
Powerful Orca Educational Experiences
– Introduce Mike the life-sized orca to hundreds of kids including families at free-meal sites throughout King County.
– Keep our team of 60 volunteer naturalists up to speed on the latest science
– Assist 2,000 members of the public in watching whales from shore.
– Offer naturalist chats at the San Juan County campground in partnership with other local orgs.
Plant Trees for Orcas
– Maintain the thousands of plants already in the ground along Bear Creek and the Sammamish River shading and cooling rivers and streams for salmon though regular weeding and watering until established
– Begin clearing new riverbank sections in preparation to plant next year at the former Wayne Golf Course
– Plant over a thousand more plants helping Chinook salmon populations
Invest in long-term stewardship
– Long-term success will depend on the next generation of stewards. In 2024, we will continue to foster relationships with local schools from preschool to college age students.
– Building partnerships with UW Bothell capstone students, we’re already set to host 4 students in 2024, working together on research and restoration.
– Host over 1,000 community volunteers to help steward local salmon habitat projects
Develop the Next Generation of Leaders
– Host 3-6 students in our Diverse Student Internship Program during the spring/summer of 2024
– Pay a living wage to these students helping to address disparities young people face when pursuing careers in conservation
– Offer career skills in water quality monitoring, vegetation monitoring, riparian restoration and maintenance, and leadership opportunities sharing their knowledge
Leave a Lasting Legacy with Strong Policies and Government Funding
– Get toxic chemicals like salmon-killing 6PPD Quinone out of tires and stormwater
– Advocate for funding for large-scale salmon habitat restoration projects
– Fight for barrier removal protecting salmon
Find the campaign fundraiser here.