Celebrating Earth Day through Wildlife Conservation

Tomorrow is Earth Day! While there are many ways an individual or organization can contribute to protecting our planet, we take this opportunity to highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.

Schnabel recently partnered with the Yakama Nation on a project in Washington state that targets recovery of critical prey for the southern resident killer whales (aka orcas)—an endangered species. Our work included the modification of the existing Cle Elum Hatchery’s water supply and the design of new circular raceways that allow the Yakama Nation to produce additional spring Chinook, the primary food source of the endangered orcas. By increasing the food supply, Yakama Nation and Schnabel are helping to combat one of the main threats to the sustainability and recovery of the orca population.