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Since 1871, the National Fish Hatchery system has been at work improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the country, the network of national fish hatcheries work with states and tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations. USbet365下载ios volunteers put in thousands of hours each year helping to carry out this mission.
At the Leavenworth Fisheries Complex, we鈥檙e lucky to have some amazing volunteers. From feeding fish to school programs to painting buildings, they help our operations run smoothly year-round. Check out some of our amazing volunteers below!
American Hiking Society
While most folks use vacation days for relaxation or trips to exotic destinations, some like to use their time off to give back. The American Hiking Society鈥檚 Volunteer Vacations pairs these passionate volunteers with trail projects across the country. The program allows people to travel while simultaneously making meaningful contributions to new areas. We were fortunate to host an amazing group last June at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth, Washington. The project took place on the north end of the hatchery property, where the crew of volunteers worked to extend a section of trail and add compacted gravel. Situated near the public fishing boat launch, this trail is meant for anglers seeking access to popular fishing sites. Beyond fishing season, it transforms into a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Season after season, this trail had been perpetually on the back burner due to limited resources. The impact of this trail crew will be felt for years to come, their efforts creating lasting improvements.
Hatchery Hosts
All three hatcheries in the Leavenworth Fisheries Complex rely on volunteer support in the summer months through our Hatchery Host program. Hosts volunteer 20 hours per week in exchange for a RV/trailer pad with full hookups. Maintenance hosts help with projects around the hatchery, visitor services hosts give tours and support education programs, and fish production hosts help staff care for our fish. We鈥檝e been fortunate to have some amazing hosts over the years, with many of them returning for multiple years. Some returners to Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery this summer include Diana Alden (visitor services) and Mark and June Griswold (maintenance). We're excited to have them back for another productive and fun summer!
Master Gardeners
If you鈥檝e been to Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in warmer months, you鈥檝e likely seen the Pollinator Garden buzzing with bees and full of colorful flowers. Filled with milkweed, mason bee houses, and native plants, the garden is a pollinator鈥檚 paradise! The garden was started by volunteers in 2016. Since its establishment, the Chelan-Douglas County Master Gardeners have continued maintenance and interpretation of the garden, while also expanding with new projects and educational programs every year. To learn more about the pollinator garden, check out this story.
Jeremy, Snow Science Superstar
For the past two years, Jeremy has been an instrumental volunteer for our winter snowshoe programs. He often helps at our snow science station, teaching students how to measure snow-water equivalency. Beyond volunteering at the hatchery, Jeremy also supports environmental education efforts at some of our partner organizations, helping educate over a thousand students each season. Volunteers like Jeremy who are invested in environmental education for the next generation are what make our community so great!
Friends of Northwest Hatcheries
Since being founded over 30 years ago, the Friends of Northwest Hatcheries has been a champion for the 14 National Fish Hatcheries in the Northwest region. From funding the region鈥檚 Fishing and Aquatic Conservation trailer, to tackle box loaner programs through libraries, to supplies for Winthrop Kids Fishing Day, their list of successful projects goes on and on! The group is also instrumental in planning the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival, an environmental education event that serves over 1,500 students and 5,000 visitors each year. Many of our educational programs and community events would not be possible without their support.
The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a salmon that was raised at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries along with habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America鈥檚 39.9 million anglers who spend $99.4 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime.鈥Learn more about Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery!
