Celebrate the Finned

By Kyra Young

fallcreekThe Oregon Hatchery Research Center’s goal is “to answer scientific questions related to fish recovery and hatchery programs.” The research center can help answer important questions that are central to the success of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds as well as the Native Fish Conservation Policy. The center is a cooperative research project shared between the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Some of the most important research at the center includes studying similarities and differences between hatchery-raised and wild salmon and steelhead.  David Noakes, a professor of fisheries at OSU and science director for the center, said, “There has been a strong run of salmon this year throughout the Northwest, and festival participants should have an opportunity to view a number of fish.”

On Saturday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the hatchery will hold its annual Fall Creek Festival. This event is free and open to the public. A free lunch will be provided during the festival, which also boasts many children’s activities and workshops. Workshops begin at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Activities include fish printing, watercolor painting, wire wrap jewelry-making, salmon cycle jewelry, bird house building, and stamping.

Registration for the festival is required. To register, contact 541-487-5512 or oregonhatchery.researchcenter@state.or.us. The Oregon Hatchery Research Center is located 12 miles west of Alsea on Highway 34.

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