FOLKS - Friends of Lime Kiln Society

In 2010, budget cuts at the state level resulted in Erin losing her position as Interpretive Specialist at Lime Kiln State Park, a role she had held since 2007. During this challenging period, the Center for Whale Research provided crucial support as a fiscal agent, helping sustain the park’s educational programs. This interim solution paved the way for a more permanent approach, leading to the establishment of the Friends of Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS) in the fall of 2011, with Erin as its Founder and Program Director.

FOLKS operates in partnership with the Washington State Parks Foundation. Lime Kiln Point State Park serves as an essential site for public education and the promotion of conservation efforts for the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW). The proximity to these majestic creatures motivates visitors to reconsider their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable practices. Annually, the park draws over 200,000 visitors from more than 40 countries, who come to learn about and observe the SRKW, underscoring its importance as a vital educational and conservation resource. FOLKS is dedicated to the passionate protection of both this unique educational habitat and the whales it serves to protect.