Saturday, May 11, 2019 at a little after 8:00 PM saw the release of thousands of 3-4 inch Chum salmon fry into Venema Creek where they will make there way to Piper’s Creek, to Puget Sound, and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. These very fit fish have a chance to return to these home waters in 3 to 5 years to spawn. Having been imprinted with the smell (chemical/mineral signature) of the water from Piper’s Creek Watershed, some of these fish will return to Carkeek Park creek waters in 3-5 years to find good habitat and mates after all the challenges they will have survived since their release.
83 parents, teachers, kids, and CWCAP volunteers brought well-wishing anticipation to the these plump and frisky fish as they were released to continue their fascinating and challenging life cycle. After feeding these fish 3 times per day, 7 days a week from January through May, CWCAP Salmon Imprint Stewards were on hand to enjoy conversations with visitors as everyone mingled before the final release.