Killer whales are among the most fascinating and charismatic species in the pacific northwest

While their popularity draws a lot of attention to their biology and delicate conservation status, the solutions for recovery are often mundane and overlooked. Whale scout harnesses the admiration and energy of whale watchers and diverse community groups, channeling IT towards native plants, streams, and forests. Killer whales act as a powerful lead-in to further inquiries about salmon, and the functions of the watersheds and riparian zones that support them. We offer educational land-based whale watching and hands-on experiential learning opportunities restoring chinook salmon habitat, drawing direct connections between whales, salmon, and healthy streams. Outcomes of this educational work also offer direct benefits, improving water quality in our own neighborhoods and leading to increased survival rates for salmon and killer whales. Our ultimate goal is to recover the endangered southern resident community of killer whales, which now numbers just 74 animals. Whale scout is striving to accomplish this by educating and activating large communities of whale watchers and diverse local groups to engage in salmon habitat restoration projects and everyday stewardship actions.