Kathy Woods-Smith is originally from New Jersey. She lived in Alaska for 37 years, where she worked in medical technology as a clinical laboratory scientist, a microbiologist, and finally in the federal regulations realm in the quality and accreditation department. She spent years running computer models, working through quality issues, and making sure patients got what they needed. When Kathy moved to Port Townsend with her husband in 2017 she gained the time and brain space to volunteer at NOSC’s tree planting and education events as well as with spawner surveys.
How did you first hear about NOSC and what encouraged you to volunteer?
When Kathy first moved to Port Townsend, she joined a hiking group, known as the WOWIES. While trudging uphill with some ladies from the hiking group, Cheryl Lowe, told her about a Beach Naturalist class through Washington State University. She joined the Beach Naturalist class, which took her to the causeway between Marrowstone and Indian island one afternoon, where Kevin Long, NOSC project manager spoke about the restoration plans at the site. The project included the removal of the causeway and culverts under state Highway 116 and the building of a new, over-water bridge that would allow fish passage. Kathy was intrigued by how passionate Kevin was about the project and also amazed by the elaborate and sometimes complicated process involved with habitat restoration. Soon after, she saw that the Salmon Coalition was looking for volunteers for summer chum spawner surveys. She read that volunteers must be able to hike up streams, wade through moving water and hop up over and crawl under logs. While that description may scare some people away, it intrigued Kathy. Before long, she found herself hiking up Chimacum Creek, surveying for summer chum with multiple other NOSC volunteers, including board member, Jim Pearson. At the end of the survey, Jim emphasized that the Salmon Coalition depends on volunteers like Kathy, and encouraged her to become a member.
What do you like most about chum and coho surveys?
As a lifetime athlete, Kathy enjoys the physical aspect of spawner surveys, or as Kathy put it, “It’s like a senior agility course!” She loves being able to get out and spot salmon with her very own eyes, and gain a better understanding of what is going on in the natural world. She’s glad to have the opportunity to bring her intelligence and energy to something that is benefiting the greater community.
What is your favorite memory from spawner surveys?
Kathy was lucky enough to see the first live and dead coho salmon of the 2019 spawner survey season on Chimacum Creek. It was a beautiful sunny day, and Kathy and her survey team were standing in the water taking measurements, when they saw a big, beautiful, bright red fish in the gravel, and two eagles nested in the trees above. She thought to herself, “This is it! This is life! This salmon is fulfilling its life work, the eagles are doing their job, and we have the privilege of documenting it.”
In addition to this special moment, she met tons of really nice, genuinely smart people that enjoy getting wet and dirt and are willing to get outside rain or shine. “Participating in spawner surveys is a great way to make a hands-on contribution to the Salmon Coalition.”
Do you think others could benefit from volunteering for wild salmon habitat restoration initiatives?
“Absolutely! I would highly encourage others to volunteer with the Salmon Coalition, and to get out and do something that is different and interesting! Even if you are a little shy, just get out there and do it, because NOSC staff is extremely nice, supportive, and welcoming to all. It doesn’t matter what your background is in, because we are all working toward the same goal. One thing that I particularly like about the Salmon Coalition is their ability to provide direction, but then stand back and trust their volunteers to do great work. They are very helpful, but they are not like managers, and they don’t stand over you while you are working.”
Where is your favorite place to experience wild salmon?
Illahee Preserve on lower Chimacum Creek is Kathy’s favorite place to experience wild salmon. “This place depicts the chain that brings us all together. The Land Trust provides us with access to these special places, and community-wide restoration effort led by Wild Olympic Salmon and the North Olympic Salmon Coalition allow the salmon to keep coming back. When you walk over to Illahee, there is evidence of where planting has happened and where preservation has occurred and the fish are taking advantage of it. Very serene.” Kathy looks forward to exploring more and adding to her wild olympic salmon experiences.
If you could share one thing you’ve learned about salmon restoration or culture, what would it be?
“If you want to have thriving salmon populations, then it is necessary to maintain the natural environment. If it hasn’t been maintained, then it must be undone. You can’t have it both ways, straight rivers with cement along the banks, don’t support salmon. Damns don’t support salmon. We know what works, so let’s get creative, and do what really works!”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
“I really, really believe that volunteerism is a great thing to do. I’m a vegan, so I don’t eat fish. Therefore, you don’t have to be someone who is a wildlife biologist, or a fisher to get involved with salmon restoration. Everyone has different motives, and for me it’s just a fun thing to do!”
Thank you for all of the amazing work you are doing for the Salmon Coalition! We are lucky to have you as a volunteer.
