Volunteers needed for a salmon habitat restoration project at Fenster Nature Park

Event is Jan. 17.

Does your heart go out to the sweating salmon that are struggling to thrive in a Green River made too toasty by human-induced global warming?

If so, know that the Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group shares your concern. The group is organizing its annual MLK Day of Service on Jan. 17 at Auburn’s Fenster Nature Park on the west bank of the Green River.

The idea is to give people a shot at restoring things for the benefit of the local salmon population.

Volunteers should come prepared to work up a sweat because they’ll be planting trees, removing non-native invasive species like blackberries, and spreading mulch around to insulate new plants for the winter, said Erik Rigaux, who is organizing the project.

The event flows from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fenster Nature Park, 2027 4th St. SE. To sign up, visit https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3442474.jsp.

Rigaux said water temperatures too warm for salmon have been identified as a major issue in the Green River, especially as exacerbated by climate change. Healthy forests along the Green River provide critical shade to cool the water.

The King County Flood Control District, WRIA 9’s “Regreen-the-Green” grants program, and the King County Wastewater Treatment Division Waterworks program are bankrolling the work. King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer recently awarded the Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group another grant through the King County Wastewater Treatment Division.

The event is open to anyone and everyone, including students who need service hours.

“COVID restrictions on the number of participants last year forced cancellation of the event, but there are no such restrictions in place this year,” Ribaux said. “We expect to have about 40 volunteers from the local community, though that number could fluctuate over the next two weeks.”

What to bring

● Layers of warm clothing that welcome dirt, like jeans and thick pants, or skirts or dresses with leggings underneath – basically, any outfits that cover those legs – are appropriate;

● Shorts or capris are not recommended;

● MSFEG will provide work gloves, but feel free to bring your favorite pair;

● Rain jacket and rain pants;

● Close-toed shoes are essential, and sturdy sneakers, rain boots or hiking boots are ideal;

● Full water bottles and snacks.

COVID-19 safety protocol

● Before arriving at the event, check your temperature. If it is above 100.4 degrees, please stay

home;

● Anyone experiencing symptoms such as a cough, a sore throat, and a loss of taste and/or smell should stay home;

● Masks will be worn while in close quarters with each other (extra single-use masks will provided if needed);

● Participants will maintain physical distance throughout the day;

● A hand-washing and sanitation station will be on site;

● MSFEG will provide water, but bring a water bottle so as to cut the use of single-use plastics;

Parking

Park along the road on 4th St. SE before entering the site. There are many No Parking signs about, so please make sure you are parked legally. Follow signs to the worksite. If you use GPS, please double check against a map and/or directions to ensure the GPS is sending you to the correct meeting spot.

The Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group has provided this map to help volunteers find their way to Fenster Nature Park on Jan. 17 where they’ll articipate in a project to help salmon hurt by the warming waters of the Green River. Photo courtesy Erik Rigaux.

The Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group has provided this map to help volunteers find their way to Fenster Nature Park on Jan. 17 where they’ll articipate in a project to help salmon hurt by the warming waters of the Green River. Photo courtesy Erik Rigaux.