To the editor:

We are delighted that chum salmon have returned to Glendale Creek, and that the stream will be repaired from recent damage. We’re also happy to report that Coho salmon have returned to the Maxwelton Watershed. The Coho salmon is truly an icon for Whidbey Island.

Coho are harder to spot, but spawning pairs were seen Halloween weekend in Quade Creek that runs down the hillside parallel to Maxwelton Creek. They come in through the tidegate and culvert at Maxwelton Beach, so the tides and water flow have to be just right for them to get through.

Whidbey Watershed Stewards and Wild Fish Conservancy have recently trained volunteers to look for spawning nests (or “redds”) made by the salmon in both streams. Volunteers will also count the outgoing young salmon and cutthroat trout in the spring. Last May we counted more smolt than in recent years, confirming that Maxwelton Creek remains viable for salmon.

Our Habitat Stewards are busy maintaining creekside restoration sites, and we are working with landowners in both Maxwelton and Glendale watersheds to remove debris blocking culverts. In addition, we taught 40 elementary school classes at the Outdoor Classroom this year with the help of community donations.

We have salmon ornaments on the Bayview Corner Giving Tree, and your purchase supports our efforts for salmon recovery and education.

Donations are also welcome at our Web site: www.whidbeywatersheds.org.

Thanks to all the volunteers and donors who help with our work.

Nancy Waddell

And the Whidbey Watershed Stewards Board