2026 Spawner Survey Workshop
Are you interested in becoming a Spawner Survey Volunteer this fall & winter?
As a kickoff for our 2026-2027 Spawner Survey Program, we are hosting a Spawner Survey Workshop to learn the protocol for identifying and documenting spawning salmon at SFEG restoration sites. This Program helps SFEG measure project success and track salmon recovery. Whether you are a returning volunteer or a seasoned pro, we would love to have your support! Please note the time commitment below. This Program requires hearty, dedicated volunteers, but the payoff is huge — time spent really getting to know a stream reach and the fish that live there. Our volunteers return year after year to “fall in love” with their streams!
Registration is now closed for the 2026/27 Spawner Survey Season. To be added to our list to learn about this opportunity next year, fill out our volunteer intake form below!
Training Requirements
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- New Volunteers: Required to attend BOTH the virtual classroom session on October 1 from 6 PM – 8 PM and the workshop on October 3 from 9 AM – 12 PM.
- Returning Volunteers: Required to attend the workshop portion on October 3 from 9 AM – 12 PM.
About the Spawner Survey Program
Join our team of community scientists and help track the health of local salmon populations! Volunteers are trained by SFEG staff at an October workshop to identify and count returning adult salmon, document carcasses, and locate and mark redds (spawning nests) in local streams.
Surveys are conducted weekly from October through January. This volunteer role requires a commitment of one day per week for three months, with a typical time investment of 1–6 hours per week. You will be assigned to a specific stream reach, along with 1-2 other volunteers, and as a team, you will coordinate to find the best day/time each week to complete your surveys.
What we ask our volunteers to do
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- Commit to walking their assigned stream reaches every week with their team of other SFEG volunteers from October to January.
- Submit spawner survey data and photos in a timely manner to SFEG staff.
Can’t commit to doing this every week from October to January? No worries, we would love to add you to our ‘subs’ list for the weeks that the regular volunteers may not be able to walk their streams. Please indicate this on your intake form when the question asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear is provided?
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- Thermometers, snips, gloves, notebooks, pencil/pens, flagging, mini first aid kit, and a walking pole
- Waders and life vests are available from SFEG on a first come first serve basis
- Please note: waders of some kind are necessary for every creek
What gear do I need?
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- Volunteers need waders, rain gear, and warm clothing
How many people will I be working with?
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- You will be paired up with at least one other volunteer! Some of the more challenging reaches have 3 people assigned to them.
How do I get paired with a team and stream?
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- Once you complete the intake form linked above, our program coordinator will send you a follow-up form to gather more details—things like your availability, any accessibility needs, and how far you’re willing to travel. Based on your responses, the coordinator will match you with a team and stream.
I can’t commit to doing it every week for the whole winter. What should I do?
-
- No worries, we would love to add you to our ‘subs’ list for the weeks that the regular volunteers may not be able to walk their streams. Please indicate this on your intake form when the question asks.
Why is the Spawner Survey Program important to SFEG?
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- Many of our stream reaches have been surveyed for years (some 20+!) and give us valuable information about the status of salmon in these streams. New reaches are added each year in places where we are actively completing restoration projects, and this gives us up-to-date information about salmon species and distribution. Having “eyes on the ground” weekly during spawning season also allows us to better understand stream dynamics and condition.
We hope you will join us!
Planting Party | Orca Recovery Day October 17
Volunteer, Work PartyJoin us for a planting party for Orca Recovery Day!
Location: Little carey’s Wetland, Hamilton
When: Saturday, October 17 | 9 AM – 12 PM
This planting event is part of Orca Recovery Day! Orca Recovery Day is an intentional day of action to build awareness and make a difference for Puget Sound’s local orca pod, the Southern Residents. Whether it’s through habitat restoration parties, raising awareness amongst friends, or hands-on learning for the family, let’s show the world that the Pacific Northwest cares about these animals.
What to expect:
What to bring:
How to register:
Planting Party Deception Pass | October 10
Volunteer, Work PartyJoin Deception Pass Park Foundation and us for a planting party along a tributary to Pass Lake!
Location: Pass Lake, Deception Pass State Park
When: Saturday, October 10 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Project Goal: Deception Pass Park aims to create a mixed conifer forest around Pass Lake, with the aim of revegetating 19.5 acres of the former hay fields surrounding the lake. This is your chance to make a lasting impact!
What to expect:
What to bring:
How to register:
Please note that since this event takes place in a State Park, you will also need to sign a waiver when you arrive.
If you are a minor who will be joining WITHOUT a parent or guardian, you must register both on our online registration form below, AND you must bring the State Parks Event Participation Waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
2026 Spawner Survey Workshop
Volunteer2026 Spawner Survey Workshop
Are you interested in becoming a Spawner Survey Volunteer this fall & winter?
As a kickoff for our 2026-2027 Spawner Survey Program, we are hosting a Spawner Survey Workshop to learn the protocol for identifying and documenting spawning salmon at SFEG restoration sites. This Program helps SFEG measure project success and track salmon recovery. Whether you are a returning volunteer or a seasoned pro, we would love to have your support! Please note the time commitment below. This Program requires hearty, dedicated volunteers, but the payoff is huge — time spent really getting to know a stream reach and the fish that live there. Our volunteers return year after year to “fall in love” with their streams!
Registration is now closed for the 2026/27 Spawner Survey Season. To be added to our list to learn about this opportunity next year, fill out our volunteer intake form below!
Training Requirements
About the Spawner Survey Program
Join our team of community scientists and help track the health of local salmon populations! Volunteers are trained by SFEG staff at an October workshop to identify and count returning adult salmon, document carcasses, and locate and mark redds (spawning nests) in local streams.
Surveys are conducted weekly from October through January. This volunteer role requires a commitment of one day per week for three months, with a typical time investment of 1–6 hours per week. You will be assigned to a specific stream reach, along with 1-2 other volunteers, and as a team, you will coordinate to find the best day/time each week to complete your surveys.
What we ask our volunteers to do
Can’t commit to doing this every week from October to January? No worries, we would love to add you to our ‘subs’ list for the weeks that the regular volunteers may not be able to walk their streams. Please indicate this on your intake form when the question asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gear is provided?
What gear do I need?
How many people will I be working with?
How do I get paired with a team and stream?
I can’t commit to doing it every week for the whole winter. What should I do?
Why is the Spawner Survey Program important to SFEG?
We hope you will join us!