On a calm and serene Saturday morning, FORB and thirty or so friends and neighbors 'Welcomed the Salmon back' on their annual return to the beautiful American River. Though we did not see or hear the sea lion that follows the salmon, we did see a couple of salmon jump out of the river. We also saw Geese, Turtles, Comorants and were happy to see a graceful Great Blue Heron fly just over the water.
We were blessed to have Laura Drath, a California Department of Fish & Wildlife interpreter from the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, return to discuss the life cycle of salmon and educate the children about what other fishes can be found in the American River. She assisted the children painting rubber salmon and trout which were then flipped over onto paper to make an imprint for them to take home. It was so interesting that a couple of adults went over to the painting table and decided to create their own works of art. Laura also brought an educational fishing pole where the children use a magnet at the end of a string and pick up a fish that has a paper clip on it. The back of the fish had its description and where it is be found on the American River.
This year, our neighbor Tom Biglione paddled over in his canoe and told the group about what can be seen from the perspective of being in the middle of the river. He said during this time of year, a canoeist or kayaker can be surrounded by very large salmon from now till November. He gave examples of how to paddle (its all in the back-not just the arms) and showed us that even close to shore, there are eddy’s that one needs to compensate for when paddling. Tom gave a sense of romanticism to canoeing on our rivers for which many were appreciative of. He answered questions about where he drops off, the type of canoe he has and the equipment he carries when out on the water. We really enjoyed his informative and casual way of speaking about his adventures on the river and will look forward to hearing from him again in the future.
A special thanks goes out to Laura and Tom for coming out today and a big thank you to Betsy Weiland for bringing cookies, coffee, water and helping children (and adults) make Salmon Hats! Thanks also goes to Lyvonne Sewell, who helped set up, had our visitors sign up and helped with handing out brochures and the all important Acorn cards. All in all, it was a very peaceful morning with many happy children enjoying all that the river has to offer.
Article and Photos by Kathy 10-11-14
We were blessed to have Laura Drath, a California Department of Fish & Wildlife interpreter from the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, return to discuss the life cycle of salmon and educate the children about what other fishes can be found in the American River. She assisted the children painting rubber salmon and trout which were then flipped over onto paper to make an imprint for them to take home. It was so interesting that a couple of adults went over to the painting table and decided to create their own works of art. Laura also brought an educational fishing pole where the children use a magnet at the end of a string and pick up a fish that has a paper clip on it. The back of the fish had its description and where it is be found on the American River.
This year, our neighbor Tom Biglione paddled over in his canoe and told the group about what can be seen from the perspective of being in the middle of the river. He said during this time of year, a canoeist or kayaker can be surrounded by very large salmon from now till November. He gave examples of how to paddle (its all in the back-not just the arms) and showed us that even close to shore, there are eddy’s that one needs to compensate for when paddling. Tom gave a sense of romanticism to canoeing on our rivers for which many were appreciative of. He answered questions about where he drops off, the type of canoe he has and the equipment he carries when out on the water. We really enjoyed his informative and casual way of speaking about his adventures on the river and will look forward to hearing from him again in the future.
A special thanks goes out to Laura and Tom for coming out today and a big thank you to Betsy Weiland for bringing cookies, coffee, water and helping children (and adults) make Salmon Hats! Thanks also goes to Lyvonne Sewell, who helped set up, had our visitors sign up and helped with handing out brochures and the all important Acorn cards. All in all, it was a very peaceful morning with many happy children enjoying all that the river has to offer.
Article and Photos by Kathy 10-11-14
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