October 10, 2003 News Release Beginning October 18, it's easy and fun to see and learn about Cedar River sockeye, chinook salmon Salmon viewing is always a best bet for family outdoor entertainment in the fall, and the Cedar River Salmon Journey makes it fun and easy to see and learn about the bright red sockeye salmon, and a few massive chinook, returning to spawn. Trained volunteers will be stationed at four different salmon-viewing locations on October 18, 25, 26 and November 1, 2, 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., to tell visitors about the natural and human history of the river, the life cycle and habitat needs of the fish, and what everyone can do to ensure the return of the salmon. The four locations include the Renton Library, Riverview Park, Cavanaugh Pond and Landsburg Park. Due to limited parking at each site, carpooling is strongly advised. "Seeing this amazing process happen before your eyes gives you a perspective you just don't get from reading about it or seeing it on television," says Polly Freeman, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. "It's like the difference between getting a postcard from the Grand Canyon versus going there and staring deep into the natural wonder. You feel differently." Despite generally declining salmon runs, and the listing of other salmon species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, salmon are expected to return in strong numbers to the Cedar River for the third straight year. "Wild salmon production fluctuates from year to year, but has been consistently on the decline for many decades. So while it's thrilling to see the Cedar River sockeye return in such numbers, it doesn't mean we can let up in our efforts to protect salmon runs overall," said Freeman. The Cedar River Naturalist program is sponsored by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, The Seattle Aquarium, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle Public Utilities, and the City of Renton. If you can't make it out to the Cedar River, follow these tips to protect our water quality and help salmon thrive: Compost. Enrich your garden with compost in place of chemical fertilizers. Avoid pesticides. Instead of pesticides use native plants, rotate your crops and learn to use "friendly" insects that naturally control harmful bugs. Conserve water. Water the yard infrequently but deeply and conserve water in your home. Use a car wash. Don't wash your car in the drive way or on the street. Take it to a car wash where water is treated and recycled. Control oil. Fix engine oil leaks and recycle oil rather than throwing it out. Scoop poop. Dispose of pet waste properly and fence larger animals away from streams. Don't get hosed. Use a broom instead of a hose to remove dirt from sidewalks and driveways, which both protects and saves water. Plant a tree. Plants and trees help control and slow water runoff. For more information about the Cedar River Salmon Journey, call Polly Freeman, Cedar River Naturalist coordinator, at 206-296-8359. Information is also available online at the program Web site. Related Information King County Environmental Education Programs News Releases

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