Save orcas or salmon?

McClatchy reports on the dilemma of endangered species eating another endangered species.

A new study on endangered animals shows that killer whales, also called orcas, in the Pacific Northwest are primarily eating endangered Chinook salmon in Canada.

Though the dietary habits of killer whales may not seem like a big deal, the orcas and various salmon species are protected on both sides of the border. Efforts to revive endangered species that share the same ecosystem can become intertwined.

"It is fascinating the whales specialize in a particular species, and the species they focus on is one of the rarer ones and in some case protected," said Michael Ford, the director of the conservation biology division at the National Marine Fisheries Science Center in Seattle. "Recovery of the whales could be dependent on the recovery of salmon. It is all related."

Read the full story: Wildlife dilemma: protect killer whales or the fish they eat?

Photo by Jeff Lorton / West Coast Wildlife Adventures

Learn to watch whales in Pacific Ocean

The Oregonian reports on the whale watch training led by Bruce Mate, the director of the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute.

"Morris Grover, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's whale watch volunteer coordinator says volunteers who complete the training [on Pacific gray whale biology and natural history] may serve in either the program's winter or spring whale watch weeks 'for as many years as they wish, and wherever they
wish.'"

Read the full story: State parks offer whale watch training

Vancouver BC downtown walk

San Jose Mercury News reports via the Seattle Times on the new three-mile path along Vancouver, B.C.'s False Creek.

The False Creek stroll lets visitors enjoying the sights of downtown with its "glittering high rises, million-dollar town houses and housing co-ops" with the scenic backdrop of the mountains.

According to writer Kristen Jackson, there's lots of stuff to do on the stroll besides just take in the sights:

"Hungry? Head to the Granville Island market, a foodie mecca of small-farm produce and seafood, food stalls and cafes. Or wine and dine at fancier restaurants along the way. Want some greenery? Lounge in waterfront pocket parks. Tired? Take a ride in one of the dozen-seater mini-ferries that buzz around False Creek like brightly painted water bugs."

Read the full story: A scenic stroll on the Vancouver, B.C. waterfront

Hiking Oregon

CNN.com reports on five hiking trails in Oregon.

At Ecola State Park, hikers can walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark on the historical Clatsop Loop.

At Devil's Punch Bowl, near Depoe Bay, visitors can enjoy the coastal sites of cliffs and tide pools.

"Wind-sculpted dunes, a sparkling blue freshwater lake, and a historic lighthouse all await visitors" at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.

Read the full story: Five stunning Oregon hiking spots

Enjoy a snowshoe hike safely

Seattle Post-Intelligencer reader/blogger Lauren Braden gives safety tips on how to enjoy a snowshoeing adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Although snowshoeing is a great way to get out into nature in the winter, she says a few extra precautions need to be taken:

"1) Always check avalanche conditions
2) Choose your destinations wisely
3) Let someone know where you are going
4) Always pack the ten essentials
5) Bring navigation skills"

Read the full post: Winter hiking/snowshoeing safety

Nature lovers flock to manufactured WA isle

Jetty Island, although made by man, is an oasis of nature - and even better - is just a free two-minute ferry ride away from the Washington State town of Everett. The recent Seattle Post-Intelligencer article says the island, originally built as a breakwater for ships pulling into the port in the 1980's, has become a wildlife sanctuary and a local "mini-vacation spot." Visitors can play on the sandy beaches, take hikes or go on naturalist tours.

This island shows that ecotourism can spring up from surprising places, even those originally intended for easing human purposes.

Another interesting albeit non-environmental aspect is that this article was extremely well-written by high school student Danielle Winslow who is participating in a Seattle University journalism workshop. She could put some so-called journalism professionals to shame, nice job!

Read the full story: Everett's man-made Jetty Island is all about nature