Linn County Salmon Watch

Salmon Watch

Salmon Watch field trips provide hands-on science and art learning activities for fifth and sixth graders in Linn County. The South Santiam Watershed Council works with schools in the Lebanon Community School District (LCSD) and the Sweet Home School District (SHSD). The Calapooia Watershed Council organizes field trips for Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS), Central Linn School District (CLSD), and Harrisburg School District (HSD).

Salmon Watch was founded in 1993 by the nonprofit organization Oregon Trout, which later became The Freshwater Trust (TFT).

TFT discontinued the program at the end of 2010 and was taken over by organizations that believe this is a great way for students to learn a little about what it takes to help salmon thrive.

Across the Pacific Northwest, several organizations have taken on the original format of Salmon Watch and, like ours, evolved it to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

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During Salmon Watch, students :

  • Observe salmon biology and spawning
  • Discover macroinvertebrates and other wildlife
  • Explore the watershed and ecology
  • Create art using Gyotaku fish printing

In 2024, the South Santiam Watershed Council, in close collaboration with the Calapooia Watershed Council, worked with 1,091 fifth and sixth-grade students across Linn County at Salmon Watch. In total, 27 field trips occurred supported by a rotating team of 12 seasonal educators and 5 watershed council staff.

Our field trips take place at River Bend County Park, located about 5 miles outside of Sweet Home, Oregon. Salmon Watch is able to happen with support from Linn County Parks and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, specifically, our friends at the South Santiam Fish Hatchery who provide the salmon for dissection.

Our team is diverse and brings with them a wide range of life and work experiences. Even if you don't have a background in environmental education, there is a place for you out by the river!

If you are a community member interested in working on our team for the 2026 Salmon Watch season, please email a.shoulders@sswc.org

While most days this year were nice and sunny, weather can hinder learning during Salmon Watch. We welcome any donations of items from the following list:

  • Children's rain boots
  • Children's rain jackets
  • Umbrellas
  • Ponchos
  • Warm gloves

 

Educators Janet, Zach, and Maria guide students through a pre-activity discussion on salmon anatomy and art

Find Your Connection

Healthy watersheds depend on healthy communities. Whether you are a landowner, student, teacher, volunteer, or community member, there are ways to make a difference.

  • CWC Executive Director Collin McCandless leads salmon dissection for students (2024)