WSU Kitsap Salmon Docent Training

2024 SALMON DOCENT TRAINING

2024 Schedule

October 6th-12th 2024

• Day 1: Sunday, October 6th: 10:00am to 3:30pm. In-person training at OC Poulsbo campus and tour of Merle Hayes Salmon Enhancement Center. More details to be announced.
• Day 2: Tuesday, Oct. 8th : 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Virtual training with regional experts.
• Day 3: Thursday, Oct. 10th : 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Virtual training with regional experts.
• Day 4: Saturday, Oct. 12th : 10:00am to 3:30pm. In-person field trip training. Location(s) to be announced

Please note, the schedule changes every year to help accommodate different attendees.

What is the Salmon Docent training?

Salmon hold ecological, commercial, and cultural significance in the Pacific Northwest. During this 4-day fall training, join regional experts to explore how our salmon survive their epic migrations and the challenges that they face in today’s changing world.

Attendees will engage with material through field trips, lectures, and hands-on activities. Local organizations will share current research findings and provide tangible volunteer opportunities on salmon-focused projects across Kitsap County.

Our training culminates with the opportunity to become a docent at our annual Kitsap Salmon Tours event on November 2nd, giving trainees the chance to share what they’ve learned with the public. Attendees who sign up to participate in a 2-hour shift as a streamside docent will receive a FREE 70-page waterproof Kitsap Salmon Field Guide, available only to Kitsap Salmon Docents. This year, docenting opportunities throughout the month of November.

What will I learn?

This course is taught by local and regional experts that will bring you current research and restoration efforts, and field trip learning opportunities. Topics will include:

Salmon Anatomy & Ichthyology Learn about the various species of salmonids, the anatomies of our local salmon, and their unique spawning journeys.

Salmon Habitats & Watersheds Discover what salmon habitats require and look like in our local watersheds. We will discuss healthy ecosystems, habitat restoration efforts, and salmon supporting creatures.

Human Impacts & Climate Change Address the various impacts we have on the salmon population and discuss recent studies on the topic. Then find out what you can do to help preserve, restore, and protect our salmon habitats.