“Kids love this field trip and will remember it for the rest of their lives!”
Salmon Watch is an experiential field trip program that teaches youth about salmon and healthy watersheds. Salmon Watch learning topics are: Salmon Biology, Macroinvertebrates, Water Quality, and Riparian Areas. Similar Salmon Watch programs happen all over the Pacific Northwest and are tailored by various local organizations in partnership with schools and volunteers.
The Linn Benton Salmon Watch program is coordinated by a committee representing the Calapooia Watershed Council, South Santiam Watershed Council, Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Siuslaw National Forest, and retired teachers.
Experiential, place-based learning
The Linn Benton Salmon Watch program is targeted to 5th – 6th grade students in Linn and Benton Counties. Field trips take place on Kalapuya land on the South Santiam River in September and October, and on Alsea land on the Alsea River in late October and November. At the core of these trips are the volunteers that lead the learning stations during field trips. We are always looking for new volunteers to join our team!
Free trainings are provided in August, September, and October.
SALMON AND THE RIPARIAN ZONE
Students learn to recognize suitable salmon habitat and the influence salmon have on the river ecosystem and the land beyond. Moving along the banks they learn about the riparian zone, the patchwork of shrubs, trees, small plants, and mossy rocks that line the banks, and discover the important relationship between the land and water. Rivers are often the source of water for drinking, cooking, cleaning; and watering gardens, farms and animals. What is good for the spawning salmon is good for us too!
AQUATIC INSECTS AND CLEAN WATER
Aquatic insects living in shallow water bring delight and excitement to students discovering them beneath rocks. What makes it possible for the bugs and crawdads to be here? What do they need to thrive? How do salmon fit into their story? What can we infer about river health by the presence or absence of these macroinvertebrates?
FLOWING WATER
Many living organisms support and depend on the interplay with salmon from the shoreline on out to the horizon. From where the forests straddle a distant ridge top to the water’s edge and down into the deepest parts of a stream channel, we want a healthy river is cool, clear, and oxygenated. Whether it is gently flowing through a shady glide or wildly piling up around boulders, big logs and old tree stumps, we support healthy rivers and streams by teaching students about what makes a healthy riverine ecosystem, and how humans can protect rivers and streams.
A DAY ON THE RIVER
Branches hang overhead while birds fly above and dive into the water. Snakes and amphibians make surprise appearances, and mammal footprints tell the tale of interactions at the river’s edge. At Salmon Watch, students begin to understand the complexity of aquatic ecosystems, while enjoying a day on the river. By understanding what salmon need to survive and thrive, students learn how we can continue to coexist with these dynamic fish.
Our Partners
The Salmon Watch Committee is a partnership between the following organizations and agencies
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, fill our the form below and we’ll get right back to you!