Fish printing is fun!
What do a 14-foot-tall fish, a table full of local historical artifacts, and a clothesline of fish-print shirts have in common? They were all found at the Milk Creek Watershed Celebration held at Camp Adams!
Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District partnered with a number of local organizations to entertain and inform community members about restoration projects and the great habitat on Milk Creek and other tributaries of the Molalla River. Over 100 people joined in the fun! According to one visitor, describing the event, “Extremely educational. I learned about Nate Creek and the [Oregon] chub, which I had never heard of before, and it is all in my neighborhood!” Another participant exclaimed, “Fun, family friendly event! I love seeing families participate in conservation activities!”
Education and Entertainment
Eight displays were staffed with knowledgeable experts from organizations and agencies (including Molalla River Watch, Molalla River Alliance, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Department of Forestry, Molalla Historical Society, and Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation District) ready to answer questions and share information. There were hands-on fly fishing lessons, while “The Other Guys” entertained and delighted guests with music throughout the event.
The Colton Future Farmers of America (FFA) were ready with hamburgers, chips, and drinks for hungry visitors to enjoy for a suggested donation to the FFA. Once appetites were satisfied, there were t-shirts ready for fish printing, colorful conservation buttons to make, and guided nature walks along Nate Creek and Milk Creek to learn about habitat and water quality. Two guest speakers provided presentations about native fish, including Oregon Chub, and riparian restoration projects on Milk Creek.
Whopper of a Fish
Claudia Chinook and District Staff
The hit of the day was Claudia the Chinook, who traveled to Camp Adams from her home in Dallas, Oregon. Claudia, standing an impressive 14 feet tall and 29 feet long, is the talk of every event she attends. Local FFA students pitched in to assist the young and the young-at-heart on a trip inside Claudia to see murals about the life cycle of salmon and how they exist with other users of the watershed.
This year’s event was a huge success! Watch for another community celebration with Clackamas County Soil and Water Conservation in 2015!