Walk the Marin County, Lagunitas Creek watershed with the SPAWN (the Salmon Protection and Watershed Network) team and then grab your garden gloves and help the non-profit that works to protect the Coho Salmon. Coho are on the endangered species list. In earlier times, more than Coho Salmon and Steelhead Trout used to spawn in the Lagunitas watershed; nowadays there are less than 500 that do.
Coho salmon enter the watershed, spawn, guard their nests for a week or more, and then die. Steelhead trout spawn and leave. Sometimes they return to the ocean and then to the watershed year after year. Cohos start their journey upstream silver in color, but then the males turn red, the females pink. Trout are darker in color, sometimes with a stripe, and appear more streamlined. As adults, both species are approximately 24 inches long.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) has named the Coho salmon the Species of the Year for 2012 and is holding special events to bring attention to the fish. The Coho salmon, like the “canary in the coal mine,“ tell us about the health of their environment. “…Coho require high quality freshwater and ocean habitats over the course of their 3-year lifespans. They are excellent indicators of the health of these ecosystems.”
SPAWN's Creekwalks are led by trained naturalists to tour the Lagunitas Watershed and learn about the salmon. You’ll also learn about the other creatures of the watershed in which they live and perhaps find some salamanders, birds, or otters. Only two walk remain! Space is limited and registration is required.
To register for:
- Sunday, Jan 22 at 1:00 P.M. - Click here. (16 spots available). Explore the Lagunitas Creek watershed with SPAWN's experienced naturalist on a quest to see the endangered coho salmon.
- Sunday, Jan 29 at 1:00 P.M. - Click here. (13 spots available). Explore the Lagunitas Creek watershed with SPAWN's experienced naturalist on a quest to see the endangered Coho salmon.
For more info you can call 415-663-8590 ext. 118. Groups such as students, Boy Scout/Girl Scout troops, clubs, etc. can schedule weekday hikes. Visit SPAWN's website for info.
Creekwalks are free for SPAWN members, which is a $35 minimum donation for one year. Non-members: $10 for adults, $4 for children donation, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
If you want to go on your own, check out the brochure, Where to See Salmon in Marin County. PDF here.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Saturday, January 28th, 10AM to 2PM. Planting and weeding. Meet at Olema headquarters at 9255 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Email Jonathan Appelbaum at jonathan@tirn.net for more information and to RSVP.
- Sunday, February 5th, 10:30AM to 1:30PM. SPAWN and EcoJews of the Bay hold a special Tu B'shvat volunteer project to restore habitat for the endangered Coho salmon in San Geronimo Creek. Planting native trees and shrubs. Email Jonathan Appelbaum at jonathan@tirn.net for more information and to RSVP.
- On Thursdays and Sundays, 8AM to 1PM, SPAWN needs help at Marin's Civic Center Farmers Markets in San Rafael for 1-3 hour shifts at their information table. Chris Pincetich at chris@tirn.net or (415) 663-8590 X102.
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