Join IslandWood Urban School Programs educator Celina Steiger for a virtual exploration of the Longfellow…
November 20, 2024
Left to Right in Back: David Koon (CWCAP), Dan Hannafious*, Seattle Public Utilities staff, Andrea Hildebrandt*, Katelyn Cowles*, Alexei Desmarais*, Karen Andres*, Susan Tarpley* L to R, Middle & Front: Kate Martin*, Louise Prescott*, Celina Steiger*, Amanda Lester*, Ry Yahn (Seattle Public Utilities), Callan Umperovitch*, Morgan Rumsey*
* IslandWood educators
Recently, our Urban School Program team set out on a memorable day of exploration and learning at the Suquamish Museum and Grovers Creek Hatchery. Joined by Seattle Public Utilities’ Stormwater Education staff and Carkeek Watershed Community Action Project’s Director of Salmon Programs, this visit aimed to deepen educators’ knowledge of salmon ecology and the vital role salmon play in the culture and history of the Suquamish people. Organized by IslandWood Partnerships Manager Celina Steiger, and Ry Yahn from Seattle Public Utilities, this experience was a key part of our preparation for the Salmon in the Schools Seattle (SiSS) program, which provides students with an immersive education in salmon life cycles and conservation.
Lauren Otto, Suquamish Museum’s Education Program Facilitator, leading the tour of the Museum
The side of the Grover’s Creek Hatchery building
Morgan Rumsey, IslandWood educator, looking at chum salmon eggs with Thomas Tall Bull, hatchery manager
The day began with an overview of the SiSS program from Celina and Ry, whose leadership in stormwater and salmon education laid a strong foundation for the day ahead. Next, the group gathered for a presentation led by Suquamish Tribe fisheries biologists Théo Suver and Hanna Brush, who offered insights into their work managing and protecting salmon populations. Their knowledge and dedication highlighted the profound connection between the Suquamish people and the salmon, illustrating the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining this essential species for future generations.
From there, Lauren Otto at the Suquamish Museum welcomed the group for a guided tour, where attendees had the chance to explore artifacts and stories that bring to life the Suquamish Tribe’s enduring bond with the land and waters. Learning about the tribe’s history and resilience through the museum’s exhibits reminded the educators of the cultural significance behind their conservation work.
Following the museum tour, the group visited Chief Sealth’s gravesite—a powerful experience that underscored the legacy of stewardship and wisdom that has shaped the region. The final stop at Grovers Creek Hatchery, where Salmon Enhancement Program Manager Thomas Tall Bull led a tour, offered a close-up look at the Suquamish Tribe’s salmon conservation efforts. Here, the group saw firsthand the hatchery’s role in supporting salmon populations and learned about the intricacies of spawning and habitat preservation.
This enriching experience left IslandWood’s team with a renewed commitment to sharing these lessons with students. Educators teaching the SiSS program will bring these stories back to the classroom, instilling in students not just knowledge about salmon but a deepened respect for the ecosystems and communities that protect them. IslandWood extends its gratitude to the Suquamish Tribe and Seattle Public Utilities for their partnership in creating this day of connection, culture, and conservation.
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