Salmon Release Day at Confluence State Park

The air buzzed with excitement as Wenatchee's 3rd graders gathered at Confluence State Park this week. It was the day they had been waiting for all year – the day they would release their salmon into the Columbia River. Over the past year, their science classes had transformed into mini-hatcheries, where students nurtured tiny salmon from eggs to fingerlings. They watched with fascination as the tiny fish grew, learning every stage of the salmon life cycle.

This field trip marked the culmination of their hard work. Each student had the honor of naming their fish before carefully carrying it to the river's edge. "Bob" "Finny," and "Splash" were among the many names whispered as the children gently tipped their containers, releasing the young salmon into the flowing water. Cheers erupted as the silver streaks darted into the current, beginning their journey.

Representatives from the Yakama Tribe, biologists and scientists from Cascade Columbia Fisheries were on hand to enrich the experience. Students learned about the many challenges these young salmon would face – the predators lurking beneath the surface, the long and dangerous journey to the ocean, and the incredible instinct that would guide them back to this very spot to spawn. Interactive stations allowed them to simulate tagging fish, observe tracking devices, and understand the role of local hatcheries in maintaining salmon populations.

"It's amazing to think that these little fish will travel so far and then come back here," said one student, eyes wide with wonder. The hands-on activities helped solidify the lessons they had learned in class.

The day was a blend of education and adventure. The 3rd graders left Confluence State Park with a deeper understanding of the natural world and a renewed appreciation for the resilience and determination of the salmon. They carried with them the memory of their named fish swimming off into the vast Columbia, each one a tiny ambassador carrying the hope of future generations.