Pierce County Salmon Homecoming celebration Oct. 11

Pierce County residents are encouraged to celebrate the return of salmon to the Puyallup River Watershed at the Salmon Homecoming this weekend.

This family-friendly event is a fun way to learn about the culture and history of salmon in our community. It features guided tours to watch migrating salmon in Clark’s Creek, tours of the Puyallup Hatchery, science and art activities for kids, a Native American welcoming ceremony and storyteller, music from a live bluegrass band and a DJ, and a photo booth, as well as pictures with Fin the fish. Pierce County Councilmember Joyce McDonald will briefly discuss salmon recovery efforts in Puget Sound. Food will be available for purchase from the Whistle Stop Concessions food truck. Most activities will be outside, so attendees should dress for the weather.

“When one of the Northwest’s icons – pacific salmon – returns to Pierce County streams, we are reminded of the importance of clean water and healthy watersheds,” said Pierce County Public Works and Utilities water quality and watersheds manager Dan Wrye. “The organizations participating in this event are working together to improve water quality for people and fish.”

The Salmon Homecoming will be held on Sat., Oct. 11, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Puyallup Hatchery, located at 1416 14th St. SW, in Puyallup.

Event sponsors include Pierce County Public Works and Utilities, Puyallup River Watershed Council, Pierce County Lead Entity Puyallup and Chambers-Clover Watersheds, Puyallup Historical Hatchery Foundation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Citizens for a Healthy Bay, Pierce Conservation District, Port of Tacoma, Fix Auto, and University of Puget Sound. Event participants include Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, South Sound Salmon Enhancement Group, Foss Waterway Seaport, Wolf Camp and the Wolf College, Puget Creek Restoration Society, and Trout Unlimited.