State Marine Mammal

State Marine Mammal

Orca
As a result of 2-years of research and persuasion by second graders from the Crescent Harbor Elementary School in Oak Harbor, the legislature designated the orca, Orcinus orca as the official marine mammal of the state of Washington in 2005. Many people visit Washington state to watch orcas; the orca is a significant symbol for the Native American culture; there are pods of orcas that migrate annually through Puget Sound; and the orca is easily recognizable because of its distinct markings. The designation is intended to promote orca awareness and to encourage protection of the natural marine habitat.

Orca Bill One For the History Books
In the spring of 2005, when signing a bill making the orca the official state marine mammal for Washington, Gov. Gregoire told Crescent Harbor students they made history in writing the bill and getting it passed. It turns out she wasn't kidding. Houghton Mifflin is planning to publish a social studies/history book about the State of Washington, specifically for 4th graders in 2006. They plan to include a chapter about the experience of the Crescent Harbor kids as a lesson in how to work with government to get a law passed. Congratulations again to teacher Bonnie Alanis and her students of Crescent Harbor, and especially Library Assistant Peggy Mihalik, who inspired the idea and worked tirelessly to make it happen.