Are you interested in working with wild salmon and helping to restore this valuable and precious resource? Washington’s Hood Canal is home to several species of salmon and is one of the last locations with viable populations in the Puget Sound region. Julie Easton, Volunteer Coordinator for the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group, says they need you to help with their continued salmon recovery efforts.
“Right now, we have some of big volunteer projects going on that you could help with,” she says.
Spawner surveys: “We have teams of volunteers and staff that walk Hood Canal creeks to count dead and live salmon throughout the coho and fall chum spawning season through January 1st.”
Native Riparian Plantings: “We are working to plant native species in riparian areas where we have treated invasive weeds.”
Office Help: “We need a volunteer around the office to answer phones and enter data.”
Miscellaneous Farm Projects: Painting, construction and gardening. “These are opportunities that are available year ‘round.”
Livestock Maintenance and Training: “We have dairy goats, alpacas and a llama. We are looking for volunteers with experience with these types of animals to come in and help with halter training and exercise.”
Equipment Operator: “We are looking for some experienced operators and maintainers of various farm equipment.”
“As you can see, an opportunity awaits for anyone,” says Easton. She notes that students, military personnel, college interns, home school students, Boy’s and Girl’s Club members and Scouts can earn merit and volunteer hours toward ranking and scholarship awards.” She says the experience and knowledge gained from working with the HCSEG has helped many previous and existing volunteers in obtaining gainful employment in positions with natural resource agencies. “We welcome corporations and businesses looking for local volunteer opportunities, too,” she says.
Julie Easton, Volunteer Coordinator for the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group: 360-275-3575 or Julie@hcseg.org
