Friends of Birch Bay State Park - BP Heron Center

06/16/2026

Washington State increased the distance regulations for vessels fro...

05/27/2026

So much beach activity!

🦭 Marine Mammal Stranding Awareness 🐋

This year, Washington’s coast has already seen an unusually high number of marine mammal strandings, including gray whales and seal pups. 18 gray whales have washed ashore dead on Washington beaches in just the first four months of the year. This is an alarmingly high number for this early in the season.

A marine mammal is considered stranded when it is unable to return to its natural habitat without assistance. Strandings can include injured, sick, entangled, orphaned, or deceased animals found on the beach or in the water. If you ever encounter a stranded marine mammal, please do not touch, move, or attempt to help the animal yourself. Keeping a safe distance protects both you and the animal while trained responders assess the situation.

If you see a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, call:
Feiro Marine Life Center
360-775-5182
West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline
1-866-767-6114
For law enforcement, harassment, or marine mammal violations, contact NOAA at:
1-800-853-1964

05/27/2026

Have you seen our otters at the State Park?

05/27/2026

So cute 💜

PSA: porpoises are not dolphins. That is all.

Okay, that’s not all. So, what’s the big diff? Well, aside from the *millions* of years of evolutionary change, there are a few physical traits that set them apart.

Porpoises have flat, spade-shaped teeth - sort of like humans, but it’s not as weird looking as you think! Dolphins have cone-shaped teeth. Porpoises also have squatty faces compared to dolphins, which have longer snouts. Their bodies tent to be a bit thicker than dolphins ( ), and their dorsal fins are more triangular and closer to their bodies. Dolphins have taller dorsal fins with more of a curve.

Harbor porpoises (pictured) are regular friends of the Puget Sound. They have dark gray, rounded heads and dark gray topsides that gradually turn lighter gray towards the front half of their bodies. Their throats and bellies are white. They range in size from about 5 to 5.5 feet long, and they weigh about 135 to 170 pounds. Males are slightly smaller than females. They keep a low profile in the water and typically do not splash when traveling or surfacing.

When people spot harbor porpoises, they often think they’re dolphins. Guess again!

📷 NOAA Fisheries Science Center

05/26/2026

Countdown to adventure!

This Saturday is Day at the Beach! Join Whatcom Conservation District, Birch Bay Watershed Aquatic Resources Management District, Friends of Birch Bay State Park - BP Heron Center, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, Whatcom Marine Resources Committee, The Salish Sea School & Discovery Center, RE Sources, NSEA - Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Washington State Parks, and Whatcom County Library System for a day of fun at a -1.6 low tide! Naturalist-led walks, refreshments, kids activities, and interactive booths will be set up from 10AM to 1PM on May 30th at Birch Bay State Park. We hope to see you there! Learn more at: www.whatcomcd.org/event-details/day-at-the-beach-2026

05/20/2026

Join Nextdoor, an app for neighborhoods where you can get local tips, buy and sell items, and more

05/20/2026

Sea-stars anyone?

Next Week is our Day at the Beach celebration! Join us at Birch Bay State Park from 10AM to 1PM on May 30th for naturalist-led walks at low tide, interactive booths, refreshments, kids activities, and more! We hope to see you there! Learn more at: www.whatcomcd.org/event-details/day-at-the-beach-2026

05/18/2026

Beautiful day to explore the shore!
Happy Victoria Day 🇨🇦
See you at 12pm

What is Red Tide anyway?

We have an expert to explain it!
So get out in the beautiful sunshine & spend time with some cool people!
Friends of Birch Bay Park
See you soon!