Do you love the beauty of the Salish Sea, marine birds, and the southern resident orcas that call it home? As part of the 10th annual Orca Month, we will celebrate and learn about the health of Salish Sea marine bird populations and the region’s iconic Southern-resident orca population, hear in detail the threats they face due to increased oil tanker and vessel traffic, and participate in a hands-on introduction to citizen science first response observance training – a meaningful way volunteers can take action in the event of an oil spill. Join us for this free event that is open to the public. We ask that you RSVP here:https://www.tfaforms.com/425810What: Oil, Orcas, and Oystercatchers: Preparing for the InevitableDate: Sunday, June 26, 2016 Time: 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm Location: Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd, Mount Vernon Speakers: Dr. Deborah Giles, Research Director, Center for Whale Research Dr. John Bower, Professor, Western Washington UniversityStephanie Buffum, Executive Director, FRIENDS of the San Juans Jerry Joyce, MoonJoyce Resources Sponsors: Washington Environmental Council, Audubon Washington, Skagit Audubon Society, FRIENDS of the San Juans, Evergreen IslandsPartners: Climate Solutions, Stand Up to Oil campaign Numerous proposals to increase oil-by-rail transport are underway in Washington State. In Skagit County, Shell Oil is looking to add an oil-by-rail facility to its existing refinery in Anacortes, bringing in six oil trains per week and 60,000 barrels per day. As we prepare to comment on the Shell-Anacortes Draft Environmental Impact Statement this fall, we are also learning how citizen science action could make a difference during an inevitable oil spill disaster in our marine waterways. We hope that you will feel empowered to act and understand why your participation does make a difference for marine life in the Salish Sea. For more information about Orca Month activities, visit http://www.orcamonth.com/events.php OR www.orcasalmonalliancce.org