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Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group
P.O. Box 2497
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
EIN: 94-3165939
Salmon need advocates. We build them.
Through education programs for students and community members across the Skagit River Valley, we’re growing a generation of watershed stewards committed to protecting salmon for the long haul.
These programs are in need of support. Please consider a donation or sponsorship to keep these programs running.
Are you a teacher looking for resources?
Salmon in the Schools
Salmon in the Schools (SIS) is one of our flagship programs, giving 3rd through 5th grade students across Skagit County a front-row seat to one of the most powerful stories in the Pacific Northwest: the story of salmon.
How It Works
In the fall: Students begin to learn about the importance a healthy watershed has for salmon, but also for all animal and plant species in the Skagit Watershed. The SIS journey begins with classroom visits from Skagit Fisheries education staff.
In January: Schools receive coho salmon eggs, which are placed in a fish tank at their school. Students then watch 200 coho salmon eggs hatch and grow throughout the winter and early spring.
In March and April: Students take part in a field trip that many remember for years to come: releasing salmon fry they’ve raised into a local creek. During the field trip, they also learn firsthand what a healthy riparian area looks like and what defines good water quality.
Why It Matters
Hands-on science: Salmon tanks fulfill a required Washington State science standard, making this a meaningful and practical tool for teachers across grade levels.
Place-based learning: Classroom lessons, stream field trips, and art projects work together to connect students to the watershed right outside their door.
A memory that lasts: Release day is something students carry with them. Teachers have expressed that this inspires students to take care of the Skagit River Watershed.
River Journey
River Journey is a dual-language environmental education program taking middle and high schoolers from the Mount Vernon School District throughout the Skagit River Watershed. Every lesson is taught in both Spanish and English, grounding Latine students in the places, species, and systems that shape their home region, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
How It Works
Students follow the full journey of salmon across a series of field trips:
- Upper Skagit River — whitewater rafting near Rockport
- Little Mountain Park — Carpenter Creek exploration and habitat assessment
- Ross Lake — overnight canoe trip
- San Juan Islands — boating and island exploration
- End-of-Year Family Picnic — celebrating the year with a community sign installation
Why It Matters
Outdoor accessibility – For many students, River Journey means their first time in a boat, three times over. The program builds familiarity with local outdoor spaces and expands access for communities that have historically been underrepresented in environmental programs.
Career awareness – Students meet and learn from a range of professionals working in environmental science, conservation, and outdoor education.
Broader stewardship – River Journey is helping build a more diverse, multilingual community of Skagit watershed stewards.
2025/2026 School Year by the Numbers
- 50 students reached
- 2 interpretive signs installed in the community, featuring artwork and writing from 7 students
- Interpretive signs printed in three languages – Mixteco, Spanish, and English
- Student presentations held at the end-of-year community gathering
Our Partners
This program is made possible through collaboration with:
- Vamos Outdoors Project
- Mount Vernon School District
- The Salish Sea School
- North Cascades Institute
Funded by NOAA.
Community Education
We engage with the community in two ways — come find us, or invite us to you.
At community events — Stop by our table for trivia, project updates, and a chance to meet the team. See our events page for upcoming appearances.
At your organization — We’re happy to bring a presentation on salmon recovery, Skagit River populations, and stewardship opportunities directly to your group. Reach out via our contact form to learn more.