Welcome J59 and K45! 

 

Left: J37 & J59, Photo by Cindy Hansen
Right: K20 & K45, Photo by Monika Wieland Shields

WAYS OF WHALES 2023

Ways of Whales is returning as an in-person event!
We look forward to seeing many of you for the first time in a few years.  

Not in the area, or not ready to attend an in-person event yet? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! The event will be held as a Hybrid In-Person/Virtual Workshop so you can watch from home. Make sure you choose virtual event when you register, and we will send you a link to join.

Agenda: (please check back for any changes)

9:30 – 10:30  Sign-In/Registration | Coffee | Displays | Silent Auction
 
10:30 – 10:45  Welcome
 
10:45 – 11:30  Lolita/Tokitae/ Update| Howard Garrett, Orca Network & Ellie Kinley, Lummi Nation (via Zoom)
 
11:30 – 11:45  BREAK
 
11:45 – 12:45   Bowhead Whales | Kate Stafford, Oregon State University

12:45 – 1:45  LUNCH ~ in the cafeteria. Network, visit displays in lobby, & bid on silent auction items. 

1:45 – 2:45  Keynote Speaker John Ford - "The Cultural Lives of Killer Whales:  A Mixed Blessing"
 
2:45 – 3:00  Break – Last chance for silent auction bids
 
3:00 – 4:45  Southern Resident Orca Research Panel
Michael Weiss: Social dynamics and prey sharing – What do they do?
Monika Wieland Shields: Habitat use - Where do they go?
Kim Parsons: Genetics -Who are they and what do they eat?
Deborah Giles: Health Monitoring Program - What is the poop telling us about their health?
Linda Rhodes: What are microbiomes and why should we care?
Joe Gaydos: Remotely understanding SRKW health - What can we learn from their skin and breath?

4:45 – 5:00  Closing & Slideshows – Remembering Sandy Dubpernell and Ken Balcomb

Join us after the workshop at Callen's Restaurant by the Coupeville ferry landing for a post-workshop social gathering! 

In addition to great informational presentations, you will have the opportunity to check out our Learning Lobby, where many of our Pod Partners will host displays and activities, along with a table from our Langley Whale Center Gift Shop, and the popular Silent Auction!  

Teacher clock hours are available through The Heritage Institute. 

Masks are not required, but are strongly recommended and would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact Orca Network with any questions at cindy@orcanetwork.org or 360 223-5666

Bowhead Whales
Photo: Jill Hein

Register Now! 

Registration fee:  $40, or $30 senior/student

We understand these are tough times for many people financially, and we want Ways of Whales to remain accessible and inclusive, so a limited number of scholarships are available for those who need it. Please contact cindy@orcanetwork.org to request a full or partial scholarship. 

A delicious hot lunch from the Connected Food Program is available for an additional $20. 

Note: while workshop registration will be open until Saturday, the deadline to order lunches is Monday January 9th.

The Connected Food Program focuses on scratch cooking with whole foods and local sourcing when available. 

Lunch menu:
Your choice of:
- Penne Pasta in a mild Gorgonzola Cream Sauce with Roasted Mushrooms and Leeks, or
- Penne Pasta with House Marinara, Roasted Peppers, Kalamata Olives and Artichoke Hearts with Parmesan Cheese 
Optional: Topped with Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Also includes Kale & Spinach Salad with Toasted Walnuts, Cranberries, Pear and Apple from the Salad Bar, and House Baked Focaccia Bread

Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free options available