Willow Creek Salmon & Watershed Education Center

The Willow Creek Salmon & Watershed Education Center (WCSWEC) is located in Edmonds, WA and features a micro-hatchery, community rental classroom, and short walking trails along Willow Creek. This facility relies on volunteers to operate and engages community members in salmon recovery efforts. Each year, 80,000 Coho salmon are raised at this facility and released into the Lake Washington Watershed. If you are interested in volunteering at the hatchery, contact Megan Moran, our interim Hatchery Coordinator at megan[at]soundsalmonsolutions[dot]org .

No matter the season, the WCSWEC is a beautiful place to visit. This is a public park open to anyone to enjoy, however we ask that any groups over 5 people reach out to the hatchery manager to ensure that the space is available as we run a lot of programs in the Spring and Summer. The building may not be open when you visit, but the grounds are public property and a great place to observe birds and there is a good chance you can see coho salmon either in the pond or in Willow Creek which flows nearby.

You can reach the hatchery coordinator here: megan[at]soundsalmonsolutions[dot]org

The WCSWEC also posts events on its Facebook page!

WCSWEC CLassroom Rental

Did you know you can rent the classroom at the hatchery? If you are interested in renting our community classroom to host an event or meeting, click below to see our rates and make a reservation!

Coho caca Organic fertilizer fundraiser

Did you know that salmon waste is part of the reason for our big, beautiful trees in the PNW? It’s true! According to a twenty-year study by the University of Washington, salmon decomposition can help boost tree growth by up to twenty percent. Put that same energy into your garden while giving back to your community! This organic fertilizer has a clay-like texture and is made from the uneaten food and dried waste of salmon in our coho rearing pond.

How to use: Coho Caca should be buried 6 to 8 inches deep in your garden and left to break down for 1 to 2 weeks before planting any seeds. This waiting period will help ensure the fertilizer is fully melded with the soil and prevent the “burning” of seeds.

We ask for a minimum donation of $10 per bag. All proceeds go to the Willow Creek Salmon & Watershed Education Center!

If you are interested in acquiring some, please email megan@soundsalmonsolutions.org

Programs

SSS provides educational experiences at the WCSWEC for all ages about salmon, their life cycle, and their interdependent relationship with humans in the watersheds we share. Please submit any inquiries about educational programming via our Education Program page.

Salmon in schools

The Salmon in Schools program is a unique opportunity that brings salmon directly into the classroom for students to observe the first three life stages first-hand. The salmon eggs are brought into the classroom in early January, and they are released as fry at the WCSWEC in March during a field trip. The field trip dives into all aspects of salmon, such as the threats salmon face in our watersheds, the salmon life cycle, hatchery operations, and local macroinvertebrates (or salmon food). Please note our Salmon in Schools program is at capacity for the 24-25 school year.

Interested in finding out more about field trips to WCSWEC or about raising salmon in your classroom? Please complete the form below.

Please note we are currently at capacity for our Salmon in Schools program for the 24-25 school year. We recommend contacting us now if you are interested in Salmon in Schools for the 25-26 school year to get on the waitlist. Our capacity each year is always funding dependant.