Otter Walk 2010

 

I was at the grocery store the other day, and posted at the register was a big sign with balloons and flowers suggesting I think of the administrative professional in my life on administrative professional day. A wave of panicked guilt washed over me–had I forgotten my administrative professional?? Then I realized that the powers that be were trying to incite just that response in me in the hope that I would then purchase even MORE flowers and candy for the administrative professional in my life than I would have otherwise.

I totally get it. We conservation folks have no shame in adopting “days” such as Endangered Species Day, or World Ocean Day. The sea otters get a whole WEEK–Sea Otter Awareness Week–in the fall. And the UN doesn’t stop there–they’ve declared this the YEAR of biodiversity.

To be fair, we are asking you to preserve the vital diversity of life that we all depend on for survival, not buy flowers and candy. Although we wouldn’t say no to a box of chocolate. But that’s besides the point.

This coming May is Endangered Species Day!! YAY!! In a blatant willingness to use any excuse to celebrate sea otters, The Otter Project is going to host a community sea otter walk. I’ll hold the otters down, and you’ll all have to strap the leashes on and then…ok, actually we’ll just walk around and look at otters. Not quite as exciting, but a lot more legal.

Sea Otter Walk 2010 will be a low key event open to the public, and a great way to spot sea otters. Our friend Sebastian the photographer has agreed to come on out and talk about his work photographing local endangered species (including sea otters), and we’re hoping to get some good sea otter spotters on board. We’ll bring the spotting scope, you bring the eyes, and the otters, well, they’re just there.

If you want to help us spread the word, please get in touch. Otherwise, mark your calander for Saturday May 22nd. Details to follow. The otters will see you then…

Photo courtesy of Mike Baird, flickr