The 2016 Nisqually Stream Stewards class wrapped up on Saturday, September 24 at the Nisqually Watershed Festival. For the last 2 months, this dedicated group of citizens have volunteered their Tuesday evenings, and most Saturdays — 40 hours in total — so that they could learn about how to protect the Nisqually Watershed and their local habitats.
During the class, these volunteers visited the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, the Nisqually Reach Nature Center, UW Pack Forest, Ohop Valley, Mount Rainier National Park, the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s Clear Creek Hatchery, and many other places. They heard from Nisqually Tribal members, local non-profits and organizations that work to protect the valuable resources found in this watershed.
The Nisqually Stream Stewards also gained skills and hands-on experiences that can be applied during volunteer events. For instance, the Stream Stewards monitored water quality on the Nisqually River to determine if conditions were suitable for salmon. They measured trees at Pack Forest and calculated their value.
Among the most memorable adventures during this years class was a visit to Mount Rainier National Park on September 17th. Despite sunny conditions on the days before and after, the Stream Stewards were greeted by 3 inches of rain and high winds. The poor conditions didn’t slow our volunteers down one bit: they completed the Nisqually Vista hike before warming up by a fire in the Paradise Lodge.
Over the next year, the Nisqually Stream Stewards will complete 40+ hours each of volunteer time in various ways throughout the watershed. Many choose to become Salmon Watchers, and monitor spawning salmon at local streams. On October 29th, the Nisqually Stream Stewards, Nisqually Indian Tribe and Nisqually Land Trust will host a Halloween themed tree planting party in the Ohop Valley. Other opportunities include work parties with the Nisqually Land Trust, leading field trips with the Nisqually River Education Project or nature mapping with Northwest Trek.
Look out for these amazing Stream Stewards at your next volunteer event! It’s a great chance to meet dedicated community members and learn more about the Nisqually Watershed.
The next Nisqually Stream Stewards class will be offered in Summer/Fall 2017. If you’d like to learn more information about the class, please email streamstewards@nisquallyriver.org or call 360.438.8715.
