View our latest posts: From the Field

Salish Sea Wild: Salmon of the Skagit River

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Salmon are born in freshwater and migrate to sea, where they feed and grow before returning to their mother stream to breed and die. Along the way, they feed everything from endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales to bugs, bears, and the forest itself. Salmon are the cornerstone of our ecosystem, but many runs are in grave danger, particularly the wild Chinook. In this episode of Salish Sea Wild, Dr. Joe Gaydos takes a swim up the Skagit River to get a close-up look at these amazing fish. 

This video takes you beneath the waters of the Skagit River and shares why the Magic Skagit is so special for salmon with amazing underwater footage of schools of salmon swimming in the Skagit River.

 

At the Water’s Edge

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Nestled in an oxbow of the Skagit River, just north of the forks of the Skagit River Delta, is Edgewater Park.   From this location one can see much of downtown Mount Vernon, and get a panoramic view of the Skagit River.  This 54-acre park is a playground for all ages, including ball fields, walking trails, a jungle gym, frisbee golf course, and boat launch.  For SFEG, however, it’s been the site of several salmon habitat restoration projects over the years.

Left: Volunteers planting the cleared bank; right, a few years after planting, growth of trees

 

In 2005, SFEG partnered with Skagit Watershed Council on an effort to replace non-native invasive plants with native plants at several locations along the banks of the river.  This was done in conjunction with a side channel project in the southern section of the park.  At about where the river curves westward to hug the park, a remnant side channel was re-established.  This channel flows during high water, and provides critical rearing habitat for salmonids.  Think of side channels as highway rest areas for fish.  These slower-moving habitats allow juvenile salmon places to hide from predators, rest during high water events, and find ample food for their downstream migration. 

As part of restoration, several community planting parties have been held here, including three Earth Day planting parties.  If you start in the boat launch parking area, see the interpretive sign about Pacific salmon found in the Skagit River.  Follow the trail south along the bank and see many species of native plants planted by volunteers at past Earth Day events.  Just before the trail turns back toward the west, you’ll see the north end of the side channel. If there is water in it, there are juvenile salmon in it!  As you follow the trail you’ll come to an interpretive sign about the side channel. Following the trail back toward the north, you’ll come to a sign about the native plants at the park.  As you meander behind the stage you’ll see areas where many volunteer groups have tackled the invasive English ivy that threatens the native plants in this area. 

Celebrate Earth Day 2021 by continuing the effort against English ivy, this time at Samish Island Camp, on Saturday, April 24.  This site, ancestral home to the Samish people, is still a place of cultural importance to them.  Join us as we help maintain native habitat by removing English ivy.  More information and registration HERE.

 

Google Map of Edgewater Park

https://goo.gl/maps/ySXQ9U1LUfSAsVH76

 

Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Edgewater Park web page

http://mountvernonwa.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/10

Hansen Creek 20 Years On | Project 8 of 30

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Hansen Creek is a large creek that flows south from Lyman Hill to the Skagit River, just east of Sedro-Woolley.  It is a major feature of the grounds at the former Northern State Hospital, now home to the SWIFT Center and Northern State Recreation Area.

All five species of Pacific salmon inhabit Hansen Creek, plus steelhead trout.  Multiple community partners have implemented restoration projects in the Hansen Creek system, including Skagit River System Cooperative and the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe.

Restoration was begun by SFEG in the late 90s, with bank stabilization, in-stream structures, and extensive riparian planting happening throughout the Northern State campus.  Back then we had our field shop and native plant nursery in unused portions of the campus, and we frequently used Hansen Creek restoration sites for training volunteers in field monitoring protocols.

Now most of the reaches where SFEG’s restoration occurred are adjacent to public walking trails in Northern State Recreation Area, and anyone can enjoy these walks while taking in the sights and sounds of Hansen Creek and its wildlife.  On a recent visit it was fascinating to see elements of restoration 20+ years after implementation.  With the extensive planting done adjacent to the stream by volunteers over the years, there is dense habitat for birds and other wildlife. The park is managed for multiple use, including a frisbee golf course. It’s not uncommon to see horseback riders on the trails, and of course lots of dog walkers.

Several Earth Days have been celebrated along Hansen Creek.  Volunteers planted hundreds of native trees and shrubs in the upper reaches of the park, and wetland grasses in the lower section, where the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe has undertaken a project to restore the creek’s alluvial fan.

The alluvial fan wetland visible from Highway 20 looking north

SFEG’s upcoming Earth Day 2021 event will continue this tradition of improving riparian areas in celebration of the Earth.

Recent trail improvements along Hansen Creek have been undertaken by volunteers with Skagit Trail Builders.  Check out their website for more information and to help out!

More information on Swift Center Here

Northern State Recreation Area

For more on the fascinating history of Northern State Hospital check out the book Under The Red Roof: One Hundred Years At Northern State Hospital by M J McGoffin