Impressions of Washington

The following are the first-hand accounts of the seven high school Earthwatch volunteers hosted by Arn and Fran Thoreen.  Reading about their first impressions of our beautiful state reminds us that it’s too easy to take our valuable resources for granted. 

 


Anne, Lauren, Abagael, Molly, Laura, hosts Arn and Fran Thoreen, Heather, Juana, and Earthwatch Institute's Ralph Riley

 

Salmon.  When I heard that word two weeks ago I would have thought: swimming upstream, spawning, and bear food…but never anything more.  I had very little knowledge of their species and of their impact on the Northwest.  Now though, after spending a week and a half trying to help conserve and restore their habitat, salmon have taken a new stand in my book.  Their life cycles impact nearly everything in the northwest and I can see how crucial their survival is.  Coming to the beautiful northwest was an incredible experience, not only to learn, but it just made me a more well rounded person.  It was something I’ll never forget and I hope I’ll return someday to see the salmon thriving once again.

Laura Jean Wirtz, Goodfield, IL

 


Two SCAP students measure a culvert that is a barrier to fish passage as part of a survey to assess salmon habitat above man-made barriers to fish passage.

 

Washington was a place I’d always wanted to see.  The idea of streams (constantly brimming w/ spawning salmon) running through evergreen forests in front of ice capped mountains captivated me.  So, when I got the opportunity to come work in the Skagit on a salmon habitat restoration project, I was ecstatic!  And this area didn’t let me down.  The forests are full of gargantuan, hundreds-of-years-old trees that looked as though they scraped the sky.  The Northern Cascades are breathtaking and the view from the top of your “foothills” is truly awe-inspiring.  Best of all, every stream we worked in was gorgeous!  Though there weren’t any spawning salmon, almost every pool and coverlog had fry nearby.  I’ve learned so much about conservation, restoration and science (as they pertain to salmon) because of the work.  This has been an amazing, unforgettable experience of a lifetime!

Heather McDonald, Hookstown, PA

 


Three SCAP students measure stream dimensions as part of a survey of salmon habitat available above man-made barriers.


I thought that…

  • in the expedition I would meet a bunch of professional individuals whose life was merely scientific
  • I would enjoy the work
  • we would stay “into the wild” the entire trip

It became a…

  • great experience
  • a lesson for life
  • friendship place

My first time…

  • row boating and canoeing
  • speaking English (only) for more than 3 days
  • in the snow

I learned…

  • scientific research
  • salmon habitat

I never expected…

  • being the guest of such nice people
  • eating delicious breakfast every morning
  • having hot water for shower
  • sleeping in a bed

Juana Gomez, San Marcos, TX

 

Everyone told me Washington would be cold, rainy, boring…even if it had rained the entire time, the work we did was so intriguing and so much fun, I wouldn’t have cared.  I knew nothing about salmon or salmon habitat an now not only have I learned about these things, I’ve learned to care about them.  I know when I go home I’ll be telling people all about my experiences here with ecology field work and also with the amazing people and friends I’ve made. 

Abagael West, Durham, NC

 

I had never been to Washington State before so I believed it would be rainy and cold, just like everybody said it would.  I was so wrong!  The weather was gorgeous and the scenery was amazing.  The amazing surroundings made it possible to learn about salmon and their habitat.  I found both extremely interesting.  I also learned how to survey and map various areas in order to observe the habitats and several restoration efforts.  My experience in Washington was definitely a positive one!  Thanks Arn and Fran for everything!

Lauren DiRenzo, Ashburn, VA

 

I had no idea what to expect when I found out that I was traveling to Washington State.  It was going to be a new place for me, and all I had heard was to expect RAIN, RAIN AND MORE RAIN.  Once I arrived here with the rest of the Earthwatch staff and girls I was able to see what Washington was actually like.  The nature here is just incredible!  The trees and flowers are gorgeous-I had never seen anything like them.  They are home to so much life!  I also found the people here to be hospitable and caring.  Washington is such a fun and peaceful place to be.  And, the weather was perfect (almost no rain).  I’d just like to express my gratitude for being able to have such a wonderful opportunity.  The things we were able to learn from Dr. Riley about preserving salmon and their habitats was just so interesting.  I loved being in the streams.  It was great to be able to assist the community in ways I didn’t even know existed, explore a new place, and meet an awesome group of people.

Molly Good

Cincinnati, OH

 

I came to the Skagit with very little knowledge of salmon-I had really only heard about the importance of estuaries in the salmon life cycle.  This project has taught me that the upstream habitat is just as crucial and that a great deal of work goes into protecting and restoring it.  Washington is a beautiful place well worth protecting, so I’m glad organizations like the Fisheries Enhancement Group exist. 

Anne Terry, Victoria, TX