Are you an outdoor enthusiast, sport fisherman or conservationist? Are you interested in working with wild salmon and getting up close and personal helping to restore this valuable and precious resource? Did you know that salmon have a direct or indirect relationship that supports the existence of at least 137 species of wildlife? The Hood Canal is home to several species of salmon and is one of the last locations with viable populations in the Puget Sound region due to the support of fish lovers like you. The Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group (HCSEG) needs you to help with our continued salmon recovery efforts.

The fall supplementation season is about to begin at both the HCSEG Union River and Tahuya River wild salmon supplementation sites Aug. 15 to Oct. 15. Volunteers work one on one with salmon 24-7 in varying shifts: 8-12, 12-5, 5-10 and 10-8. Activities include: counting fish, spawning and egg collection for supplementation, assistance with genetic sampling and monitoring trap sites. No experience necessary, the HCSEG will train you. Daytime and overnight volunteers enjoy the comforts of a heated RV on site with all the amenities of home.

The group is also looking for volunteers to help with other projects such as Knotweed control, which includes surveying and treating knotweed an invasive weed that chokes out other native plant species. Or, helping out around the office answering phones, doing data entry would be very helpful. There are also other projects such as painting, construction and gardening. An opportunity awaits for anyone.

Students, military personnel, college interns, home schoolers, Boys & Girls club and Scouts can earn merit and volunteer hours towards ranking and scholarship awards. Perhaps you are unemployed and need field experience to open the door to a new job in natural resources. Experience and knowledge gained from working with the HCSEG has aided many previous and existing volunteers in obtaining gainful employment in positions with natural resource agencies. Corporations and businesses looking for local volunteer opportunities are also welcome. Bring your family, bring your friends and get involved in doing something great for the environment and helping your community to sustain its local wildlife.

Please contact Julie 360-275-3575 or by email Julie [at] hcseg [dot] org.