The ODFW Marine Reserves team is participating in Oregon Shores’ two-part Panel Presentation and Search for Southern Resident Killer Whales Watch Party. Visit their event page to register for the event.

Cape Falcon Marine Reserve is celebrating its 10-year anniversary!!

Join us in celebrating this milestone anniversary with two events on Saturday, February 28, 2026:

Part 1: Ask the Experts: Marine Reserves + Killer Whales Panel Presentation
1:00-2:30pm | North Coast Recreation District, 36155 9th Street, Nehalem, Oregon

Have you wondered what’s the difference between Orcas and Killer Whales? Or how to recognize the difference between the three different Killer Whale ecotypes? Perhaps you feel pretty confident in knowing that a Killer Whale is a whale- but spoiler alert, it’s not! (Killer whales are actually the largest members of the dolphin family.) At this Ask the Experts Panel Presentation, our experts will clarify all of this and more. We will dive into the benefits of Marine Reserves for Killer Whales and other endangered species, how current research aims to fill the Killer Whale data-gap along the Oregon Coast, and how you can be an active steward of these important protected areas. And of course, because this is a 10-year anniversary party- cupcakes will be provided!

You can submit questions when registering for this event and the panel facilitator, Denise Harrington from Oregon Shores, will ask our experts for you. Or, bring your curiosity and let the conversation inspire you to ask your questions live.

Presenting experts will include:

Angela Whitlock, Marine Program Manager for the North Coast Land Conservancy
Katie Darr, Communications & Engagement Specialist for the Marine Resources Program at Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Kevin Campion, founder of Deep Green Wilderness
Part 2: Searching for Southern Resident Killer Whales Watch Party
3:00-4:30pm | Neah-Kah-Nie Viewpoint, Arch Cape, Oregon

After becoming a bit of a Marine Reserves and Orca expert yourself, you are invited to migrate outdoors with us for part 2 of this event. Join us for a Searching for Southern Resident Killer Whales Watch Party from the incredible Neak-Kah-Nie Viewpoint! From here you can take in the extraordinary views while searching for the Southern Resident Killer Whale J-K-L pods. Those who are interested in helping fill the data gap can log their observations to contribute directly to the conservation of one of the ocean’s most iconic endangered species. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just passionate about marine life, your observations could make a lasting impact.

Event Location
Part 1: North Coast Recreation District, 36155 9th Street, Nehalem, Oregon | 1:00-2:30pm

Part 2: Neah-Kah-Nie Viewpoint | 3:00-4:30pm