The salmon is an inconic species for Washington. They are not only a key species in the natural heritage of the Pacific Northwest, but are essential to the continued health of their ecosystem as they “fuel” the natural environment. So how could I say “no” to the opportunity to become a Salmon Steward at Carkeek Park in Seattle?

Carkeek Park is located in northwest Seattle and occupies land in the Pipers Creek Watershed. From early November thru early December, chum salmon return to Pipers Creek. During this time, volunteers called Salmon Stewards educate the public concerning salmon topics. I received this training, and feel that I've already learned so much about this amazing animal.

Of all the things I learned during my training, two subjects impacted me the most: the connection between salmon and an ecoystem, and the importance for individuals to take careful action in preserving this species.

Salmon are a keystone species for coastal ecosystems. Salmon runs act as pumps, pushing marine nutrients upstream to the headwaters of rivers. The salmon themselves serve as a primary food for aquatic invertibrates, fish, bears, eagles, minks, and river otters. Salmon-derived nutrition allows many animals to survive the winter. Salmon carcasses carried into the forest by bears can even act as fertilizers for trees!

Now for the bad news. Every two years there is an oil spill the size of the Exxon Valdez in the Puget Sound as a result of pollution from automotive oil and exhaust. Stormwater enters our watersheds and carries along with it oil from car engines, copper from brakes, zinc from tires, roofing run-off, pesticides, herbicides, and pet feces. All of these things combine to make life tough for our urban salmon friends. Reduced car trips, rain gardens, organic substitutes for traditional pesticides/herbicides, and picking up after your pet are all actions we can take to save our salmon.

And if you need any convincing that salmon are worth saving, stop by Carkeek Park on a weekend, early November thru early December. Or attend the Piper's Creek Salmon Celebration on Friday, November 27th. Nothing speaks more loudly for salmon than the sight of a 23/4 feet long fish swimming in Seattle. So come learn, celebrate, and care for this incredible resident of our city!