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Annual Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Days

Friday, May 24, 2013 

September 2013.

An event designed to teach 5th graders (and their teachers and parents) about one of Idaho’s most precious and interesting natural resources.

Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Days is a 3-day celebration designed to increase awareness and appreciation for salmon and steelhead. This is a hands-on, outdoor, experiential learning event to teach students the biology, history and economic and cultural significance of these amazing fish.

Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Days
Salmon & Steelhead Days is held at the MK Nature Center, located adjacent to
Fish & Game headquarters:
600 S. Walnut Street, Boise, ID.

(208) 334-2225
Here's what the kids will do!

Gyotaku - Japanese Fish Printing
Children will learn the ancient Japanese "art" of fish printing by painting a fish and transfering the "stencil" to a piece of paper. Gyotaku is currently used primarily for artistic purposes, but was originally used as a record keeping method for Japanese fishing fleets!


Gyotaku is fish printing...

Salmon Maze - Salmon Life History
At the salmon maze, students receive a full dose of salmon life history information. They learn the fascinating biology of anadromous fishes - species that are "born" in freshwater, migrate to the ocean as juveniles, and then return to their home waters as adults to spawn.

Salmon Migration Maze

Kids in the Creek - Full on Outdoor Education
Students get a crash course in aquatic ecology by “playing” in the Boise River. Our instructors guide the students with collection of insects, fish, crayfish and whatever else they can catch in their nets (and hands). This activity provides first-hand, up close and personal knowledge of food webs, energy cycles, habitat and more.

Kids in the Creek!

Salmon and Our History
Students will learn about the cultural and economic value of these fish. Elmer Crow, a Native American from the Nez Perce Tribe, will discuss the importance of salmon, steelhead and Pacific lamprey to Idaho's Native Tribes, while “demonstrating” traditional methods for harvesting these fish. Elmer brings a roomful of traditional fishing gear.

Salmon and Native American history

Ecology/Salmon Viewing - All Things are Connected
This activity emphasizes the importance of terrestrial plants to the aquatic environment, how trees and other vegetation stabilize streams and provide food and cover for aquatic wildlife, and how  the nutrient cycle pertains to salmon. Each class will also see live Chinook & kokanee salmon swimming in the Nature Center stream.

Salmon ecology
Idaho Salmon and Steelhead Days
Last Updated: October 2, 2012 
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