Welcome to Orca Child in the Wild
How It All Started
Orca Child in the Wild began with something simple: a family who loves the ocean. Growing up along the Southern California coast, I spent countless weekends exploring tide pools, watching dolphins play in the surf, and picking up trash on the beach with my family.
One day, after a particularly messy beach visit where we filled three bags with plastic bottles, straws, and fishing line, I asked my parents: "Why isn't anyone doing something about this?"
Their answer changed everything: "Someone is. And that someone can be you."
Our Mission
Orca Child in the Wild exists to inspire and empower young people to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems through:
- Hands-on conservation — beach cleanups, habitat monitoring, water quality testing
- Science-based education — species profiles, ecosystem guides, conservation workshops
- Community collaboration — partnerships with schools, local organizations, and families
Why "Orca Child"?
Orcas are one of the most intelligent, social, and family-oriented species in the ocean. They travel in pods, teach their young, and work together to thrive. That is exactly what we aim to be — a pod of young conservationists, learning and protecting together.
The "in the Wild" part reminds us that our work happens outside, in the real world — on beaches, in tide pools, along rivers, and in our communities.
What We Do
Beach Cleanups
Every month, we organize cleanup events along the Southern California coast, from Los Angeles to San Diego. No experience needed — just show up with a willingness to help.
Environmental Education
We create articles, species profiles, and ecosystem guides designed for young people, families, and educators. Everything on our site is free and bilingual (English and Spanish).
Water Quality Monitoring
Working with local partners, we test water quality at beaches and waterways across the region, contributing to real scientific data that helps protect public health and marine life.
Community Events
From tide pool explorations to movie nights to conservation workshops, we bring people together around a shared love for our oceans and waterways.
Join Us
Whether you are 8 or 80, there is a place for you in our community. Here is how you can get involved:
- Volunteer — Sign up for our next event
- Donate — Every dollar goes directly to conservation
- Learn — Explore our species guides and articles
- Share — Tell your friends and family about our mission
Together, we can protect the waters that connect us all.