Better Ground

06/10/2026

Mark your calendar for on Saturday, October 17! 🐋 From habitat restoration to community action, we’re looking forward to another year of making a difference for Southern Resident orcas.

06/09/2026

Keep an eye out for orcas this summer! 🐳

One of the most common questions we get about the requirement for boaters in Washington state to stay 1,000 yards from endangered Southern Resident killer whales is, "How do I know if I'm 1,000 yards away?"

It's a great question, and 1,000 yards is a long way; depending on weather and water conditions, if you can see an orca out on the horizon, you're likely already too close! Fortunately, if you do see an orca, you can give it the thumbs up to gauge that 1,000-yard distance. Hold your hand out at arm's length (as pictured) and use the tip of your thumb as your guide -- if the orca appears bigger than the tip of your thumb, it's time to move away.

WDFW also offers a business-card-size printed rangefinder at events, or you can print your own! The rangefinder, a video on gauging distance on the water, and loads of other materials are available today when you visit our boater resources webpage: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/at-risk/species-recovery/orca/regulations -toolkit

06/05/2026

Orca Recovery Day is Saturday, October 17, 2026! 🐋 Get ready to dig, plant, and repeat this fall with your family and friends! Until then, celebrate this June by exploring events and storytelling from our partners at orcamonth.org.

06/04/2026

06/01/2026

Orca Recovery Day is back Saturday, October 17! Start getting into the Orca-tober spirit early with . 🐋Our partners are offering opportunities all month long to learn, connect, and celebrate Southern Resident orcas. Visit orcamonth.org to explore events and activities.

05/27/2026

Did you know? In addition to Wildfire Awareness Month, May is also American Wetlands Month! 🌱💧🔥

In addition to providing important habitat for wildlife and improving water quality, wetlands can create buffers to slow down or prevent the spread of wildfire and increase landscape resiliency.

True story: America has the best wetlands!

May is American Wetlands Month – when we celebrate the many ways wetlands support communities and wildlife across the United States.

Wetlands cover just over 5 percent of the contiguous United States, yet their benefits are immense! They keep people and infrastructure safe by buffering the impact of storm waves, reducing flood waters, and preventing the spread of wildfires. They offer clean and abundant freshwater water to people and farms by filtering pollutants and recharging groundwater. They provide habitat for wildlife like waterfowl and shrimp, as well as our nation’s noble bald eagle. Wetlands support recreation, tourism, and fisheries too!

Is there anything wetlands CAN'T do? Not really. They're the best.

Wetland conservation equals improved health and wealth for Americans!

Photo of bald eagle at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge by Daniel Umstead (sharetheexperience)

05/21/2026

Check out these helpful tips from Pierce Conservation District on preparing for wildfires!

05/18/2026

Are you looking to prepare for wildfire season?

Having an emergency checklist prepared ahead of time can make a stressful situation safer and more manageable. Use this Wildfire Readiness checklist from WSDA to get started.

Follow this link to sign up for emergency alerts in your area: https://mil.wa.gov/alerts

05/15/2026

Spring is a great time to think about how healthy landscapes can support birds, bees, and other wildlife! 🌼🐝

Small steps such as planting a variety of native plants can make a big difference.

Reach out to your local Conservation District for resources and ideas to support wildlife habitat on your land.

We can all do something to help our local wildlife populations, especially songbirds and pollinator insects. Committing even a small section of your yard to be used as habitat can make a big difference for the birds and bees! Birds Birds aren't just an important part of our ecosystem, they also make...

05/13/2026

Have you taken steps to increase wildfire safety for your home and property?

May is Wildfire Awareness Month- now is the time to prepare!

Learn more about Home Ignition Zones and find ways to protect your property by visiting the National Fire Protection Association website:

This blog from NFPA covers what the wildfire home ignition zone is, where the concept comes from, and how it differs from defensible space.