| October 20, 2000
News Release Volunteer Cedar River naturalists talked to a record 866 people last Saturday, who visited one of four salmon-spotting sites along the Cedar River, a dramatic increase from previous years. High visitor turnout is expected again this weekend as a result of high interest combined with good weather. Volunteer naturalists will be stationed from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at for the next three Saturdays, October 21, 28, and November 4, 2000 at the Renton Library, Riverview Park, Cavanaugh Pond and Landsburg Park to talk to visitors about the natural and human history of the Cedar River and the salmon and other wildlife that live in and around the river. The large number of sockeye salmon returning this year accounts for some of the interest, but the growing awareness of protecting salmon, their life-cycle and how local streams are a critical part of that process, has contributed to the crowds of people wanting to see a part of our local history for themselves. "The Cedar River ecosystem is a unique and valuable resource which requires our continued care and attention," says Jane Ruthford, Cedar River volunteer naturalist. That's why Jane and Charles Ruthford and their two sons, Patrick and Jeffrey, chose to volunteer as Cedar River naturalists again this year. "Being part of the Naturalist program is an activity we enjoy doing together," says Charles Ruthford. "We are learning about the impact we have on nature and then turning around and having fun teaching others about their surroundings." "We get to help protect salmon," interjects Jeffrey, age 14. "And it's fun learning about the salmon," adds Patrick, age 11. The Cedar River Naturalist program is sponsored by the King County Park System, The Seattle Aquarium, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle Public Utilities, King County Department of Natural Resources, City of Renton and Washington Sea Grant. Funding provided by the Lake Washington/Cedar River Watershed Forum with King Conservation District funds. For more information about the Cedar River Salmon Journey, call (206) 205-3775. Information is also available on-line at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/PI/cedar-river-naturalists.htm. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be provided upon request. DIRECTIONS Landsburg Park: Follow Hwy. 169 southeast until you reach Kent-Kangley Rd. (Hwy. 516) and the Four Corners Shopping Center (about 2 miles south of the Hwy. 18 interchange). Turn left onto Kent-Kangley Rd. Take the next left onto Summit Landsburg Rd. At the stop sign, turn left onto Landsburg Rd (also called 276th Ave SE.). Soon after the turn, you will cross the Cedar River. Look for parking for Landsburg Park on either side of the road just after the bridge. Renton Library: Take I-405 to Exit #4 (Maple Valley/Enumclaw). From I-405 Northbound, turn left on Maple Valley Highway (Hwy. 169) and go under I-405 to Bronson Way. Cross the Cedar River. Take your first left onto Mill St. Look for the library immediately on the left (100 Mill St.). From I-405 Southbound, after you take Exit #4, take a right at the second light, onto Bronson Way. Follow rest of directions above. Riverview Park: Located on the south side of the Maple Valley Highway (Hwy. 169) two miles east of the I-405 overpass (right side of highway coming from Renton). BE CAREFUL turning in and out of the parking lot – it's on a blind curve! If lot is full, park at Maplewood Roadside Park immediately east of Riverview and walk back to it along the Cedar River Trail. Cavanaugh Pond: Located on the north side of Maple Valley Highway (Hwy. 169) 4.5 miles east of I-405. It is immediately adjacent to the Riverbend Mobile Home Court and less than one mile east of the 149th Ave. SE intersection. Watch for the fish signs! Follow posted parking instructions or directions from on-site naturalist about where to park. Fall for Salmon: A calendar of salmon-related events Cedar River-Lake Washington Watershed
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