Submitted by Friends of the San Juans

During Valentine’s week, Friends of the San Juans will explore the plight of the Southern Resident orcas and engage the community in actions that can help their recovery.

Find out what the Southern resident orcas need to survive and thrive including how the Snake, Frasier, Columbia, Skagit and other river systems impact the orca; how San Juan County shorelines contribute to orca health; how many Chinook salmon are needed to support the population; if there should be limits on Southern Resident orca whale watching; and proposed state legislation.

The featured speakers include Lovel Pratt, Friends of the San Juans’ Marine Program protection director, and Dr. Deborah Giles, research scientist for the University of Washington Center for Conservation Biology and Research Director for Wild Orca.

Since 1979, Friends of the San Juans has used science and policy to protect and preserve the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea for people and nature. Visit sanjuans.org for more information.

• Lopez Island, Monday, Feb. 11, noon – 1:30 p.m.,

Woodman Hall, 4102 Fisherman Bay Road.

• Orcas Island, Tuesday, Feb. 12, noon – 1:30 p.m.,

Orcas Senior Center, 62 Henry Road.

• San Juan Island, Wednesday, Feb. 13, noon -1:30 p.m.

San Juan Island Grange Hall, 152 First Street N.