Wildside

Weekly

November 9, 2022

IN THE FIELD

Mark Your Calendar for CHUM FEST - Nov 19 & 20th!

Are you excited yet? We sure are! The 14th annual Chum Salmon Festival is happening in just 10 days! And for the first time ever: it’s a two day festival. Help us to welcome the salmon home to Donkey Creek on November 19-20th from 11-4pm at Donkey Creek Park, the Harbor History Museum and txʷaalqəł Estuary.

Salmon Observation Station is up!

If you find yourself walking the trail that connects Donkey Creek Park to Austin Park at txʷaalqəł Estuary take a moment to fill out the log in the box. If you see salmon, or even if you don't, write it down in the log book. This helps us track when the salmon arrive each year and the best time to view them!

CREATURE FEATURE

California Sea Lion

Zalophus californianus

California sea lions caused quite the commotion this afternoon. They were probably feeding on salmon making their way back to their spawning grounds. While some sea lions were feasting, a few others were thermoregulating by holding their flippers up in the air. It was amazing to see them so close to shore. -Rachel

STEWARDSHIP TIP

Leave the Leaves

Leave the leaves or lose them? It all depends! Leaf litter plays an important role in returning nutrients to the soil and providing shelter for over-wintering insects. But fallen leaves can block light to lawns. If you’re the type of person to reach for the fertilizer and moss killer in the spring, your yard (and the surrounding watershed) would probably benefit from raking the leaves now to keep the grass healthy over the winter. Mulching mower blades can chop the leaves into fine particles that allow light in and break down quickly. Another great solution is to put leaves anywhere you would place mulch. Around trees or in garden beds, leaves can suppress weed growth and provide insulation against winter’s cold for the more tender plants. Be sure to remove any leaves from storm drains or flooding can occur.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR*

Cocktails & Fishtales

November 16 , CANCELLED

Jr. Naturalist Workshop

November 19, 10am Donkey Creek Park. Students are invited to join us for an educational salmon tour during Chum Salmon Festival

Chum Salmon Festival

November 19 & 20 11-4pm

Celebrate the homecoming of the Chum Salmon in Donkey Creek. This annual event has expanded to TWO DAYS and we couldn't be more excited!

Steward Club Salmon Walk

November 20, 11am Donkey Creek Park. Members are invited to join us for an educational salmon tour during Chum Salmon Festival

Salmon Walking Tours

View spawning salmon and learn all about the struggles they face on their epic journey from Gig Harbor, to the Pacific Ocean and back. Meet near the new Our Fisherman, Our Guardian carving in txʷaalqəł Estuary Park.

November 26 10am

December 3, 2:00pm

Pier Into the Night

While you stay warm and dry on the dock, our divers use an underwater video camera to live stream what they encounter below the surface. Staff biologists and trained volunteers identify the sea life that appear on the 10-foot screen in real time.

January 7, 5pm @ Jerisich Dock

February 4, 6pm @ Maritime Pier

March 4, 7pm @ NEW LOCATION TBD

Touch Tanks on the Pier during Christmas Tree Lighting

Skansie Brothers' Park. December 3, 4:30-6:30pm

Skansie Visitor &

Interpretive Center

Open Wed - Saturday, 10-4pm

3207 Harborview Drive • Gig Harbor

Pending Volunteer Availability on Weekends

Salmon Observation Station

Write your salmon observations down whenever you view the creek. Now through December, Donkey Creek Park.